KELOWNA—Premier

Christy Clark resumes her on-the-ground campaigning in the Westside-Kelowna byelection on Thursday (June 20), after time out for essential government work.
The premier left the constituency and campaign for Winnipeg, for a meeting of Canada’s four western premiers and the three territorial premiers, set for Sunday and Monday. Economic and educational issues were on the draft agenda, along with a proposed national disaster-mitigation program.
On Friday (June 14) the premier met in Kelowna for an hour with Alberta premier Alison Redford. Clark said the meeting was very constructive and the pair had agreed to create a ministerial working group that would focus on skills training, immigration and labour.
Both agreed the B.C. and Alberta economies are a priority and that Canada needs to help them create jobs and find workers.
Said Clark: “We will present a united front to decision-makers across the country to make sure our provinces have the tools we need to be able to grow our respective economies.”
Clark-Redford video
The Westside-Kelowna byelection was called on June 12, following the resignation of BC Liberal MLA Ben Stewart. Voting takes place July 10, with advance voting July 3 through 6, and through the local electoral office. Info on voting

BYELECTION PAGE

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Byelection signs of the time

One Vancouver radio station, reporting from Westside-Kelowna, told listeners: “There are Christy Clark signs almost everywhere in the community.”

One of the early campaign signs was put up Thursday (June 13) by Clark and Ben Stewart, the Liberal MLA for Westside-Kelowna who resigned to make way for the byelection on July 10, and Clark’s candidacy there.

Radio station News1130 continued its story with: “She has been busy all day going door-to-door and also meeting with community leaders.”

And Clark said: “I’m going to work as hard as I can to earn every single vote.”

Friday’s schedule, though, included government business: a meeting in Kelowna with Alberta premier Alison Redford. On the agenda: The issue of the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline to carry oil from Alberta’s oil sands to an export port on BC’s coast.

Said Clark: She's accepted my invitation to come to British Columbia, to beautiful Kelowna to meet. So I think that's a very, very good first step. I'm optimistic about the future.”

Kicking off her byelection campaign on Thursday, the premier met community dignitaries, turned sign-builder with Ben Stewart, talked with reporters, and then went door-to-door campaigning.

WEST KELOWNA--Premier Christy Clark began her byelection campaign in Westside-Kelowna Thursday June 13.

Her schedule included afternoon meetings with community leaders and then door-to-door campaigning.

The byelection was called on June 12, following the resignation of BC Liberal MLA Ben Stewart.  Voting takes place July 10, with advance voting July 3 through 6 and also through the District Electoral Office now.

"I’m planning to spend as much time as possible with Westside-Kelowna residents," says Clark. "I’m looking forward to discussing how we can grow the economy, keep it strong for families, and build the best future possible for people who live in the Okanagan and across BC.

"We’re moving forward to create jobs, bring in balanced budgets, keep taxes down, and get to a debt-free BC."

Clark added that she is proud to be the BC Liberal candidate in Westside-Kelowna, and looks forward to connecting with residents.

"Following in Ben Stewart's footsteps would be an honour. He's been something more than an MLA, and more than a cabinet minister. He has been a real guiding light in government and a man of honour. He has set a high standard for anyone who follows him."

Stewart, who is serving as Clark’s campaign chair, said: "I will continue to support our premier in her work on behalf of all British Columbians and will do everything I can to make sure our community remains the pride of the Okanagan and British Columbia''.

KELOWNA—With the provincial byelection called in the constituency of Westside-Kelowna for July 10, 2013, here’s a quick look at some riding statistics:

• Population (as of census on May 16, 2006): 51, 540
• Number of families: 15,305
• Number of homes: 22,330
• Top two industries: Retail trade and construction
• Average household income (before tax): $59,998
• Biggest single age group: 20-44
• Seniors: 9,610 (19% of population)
• Aboriginal population: 2,675 (5% of population)

These numbers on Westide-Kelowna—and many more—are from BC Stats, by way of the 2006 federal census from Statistics Canada.

Results of voting in the general election of May 14, 2013:

• Ben Stewart, BC Liberals, 12,987 votes (58.93%)
• Carole Gordon, BC NDP, 6,970 votes (30.53%)
• Brian Guillou, BC Conservatives, 2,466 votes (11.09%)

(These are the final vote-counts from Elections BC.)

Stewart later stepped aside, opening the way for the byelection and the candidacy there of Premier Christy Clark. Stewart had served in several cabinet roles, including being named Minister of Citizens’ Services and Open Government on September 5, 2012.

Key dates in the byelection:

• General voting to be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 10
• Advance voting July 3 through July 6

Candidates in the byelection:

BC Liberal: Christy Clark

BC NDP: Carole Gordon

BC Conservative: Sean Upshaw

VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark has called a byelection for the Westside-Kelowna electoral district for July 10, 2013.

The seat became vacant when Ben Stewart resigned as MLA on June 11, 2013.

For information on voting and registering to vote, visit: www.elections.bc.ca or call Elections BC at 1-800 661-8683.

Facts and figures on Westside-Kelowna

Premier Christy Clark’s new executive council (cabinet) includes several new faces, and some returning ministers take on new roles.

"British Columbians have asked us to build a strong economy, a secure tomorrow, and a lasting legacy for generations," she noted. "We will deliver."

The Premier's ministers were formally sworn in on Monday, June 10, 2013, at Government House by Her Honour, Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon.

Among returning ministers, Rich Coleman is the deputy premier, minister of natural gas development, and minister responsible for housing. Michael de Jong is back as finance minister (and government house leader).

New faces at the cabinet table include Peter Fassbender as education minister, Suzanne Anton as minister of justice and attorney general, and Todd Stone as minister of transportation and infrastructure and deputy house leader.

Added the premier: "My new team has the experience and the fresh perspectives that government needs, representing all regions of the province and united by a common commitment to work on behalf of every British Columbian. Together, we have the opportunity and obligation to grow the economy, control spending, and put B.C. firmly on track to a debt-free future."

Parliamentary secretary appointees were announced earlier.

Cabinet sworn in

Video

Government news release (includes backgrounders on the cabinet members, their biographies, and the new list of parliamentary secretaries.)

BC Liberal caucus appointments

Vancouver -The BC NDP is trying to hide who was involved in the creation of a secret policy document that was used to create their 2013 election platform. In a Vancouver Sun article published this morning, party spokesperson Jim Rutkowski said, “the document is a collection of suggestions by individual party members….”

That is simply not the truth.

Today’s BC Liberals have obtained a copy of the document created by the NDP following a meeting of the NDP’s Provincial Council on November 20, 2010.

The NDP Provincial Council meeting consisted of all NDP MLA’s, current NDP Party President Moe Sihota, current NDP Provincial Secretary and Deputy Campaign Director Jan O’Brien, the NDP Provincial Council and BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair.

“The NDP is trying to say this document was created by “individual party members” which is simply not the case,” said Finance Minister Mike de Jong. “This document was created by the most senior members of the NDP, including their MLAs, Executive and Provincial Council. To suggest otherwise is simply false.”

“This is the document the NDP didn’t want voters to see,” said de Jong. “It completely puts the lie about being the NDP having a ‘modest’ agenda. This document shows exactly what the NDP wants to do to the province.”

In the document, the NDP leadership make a number of stunning policy suggestions including:

•  Nationalizing Independent Power Producers

•  Reviewing forestry tenure on Crown Lands

•  Public only liquor outlets

•  Decreased funding for private education

•  (Being) Less export focused

•  Get out of TILMA (Trade and Investment Labour Mobility Agreement with Alberta)

•  Link stumpage rates to job creation

•  Improve Labour Code

•  EI agencies—repatriate services run them ourselves

•  Subsidize student housing

“This is the real NDP platform,” said de Jong. “In the 21st century who even uses the word nationalize anymore? The last two people to use that word were Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez.”

“The politburo of the NDP put this document together - not individual party members. Adrian Dix was there. Moe Sihota was there. Jenny Kwan was there. Bruce Ralston was there. John Horgan was there,” said de Jong. “The NDP should come clean and admit that this is their true platform that would add billions of dollars to the cost of government.”

“The NDP simply can’t be trusted,” said de Jong. “They haven’t been up front about their true agenda. They haven’t been up front about their spending plans and now they haven’t been up front about who made this secret document. The NDP is simply not fit to govern this province with these radical and out of touch ideas. They really are the same old NDP with the same old and radical ideas.”

Attachment: BC NDP Provincial Council Policy Document

Vancouver- Tomorrow, Premier Christy Clark has a full day on the campaign trail, talking with as many British Columbians as possible about the values she is fighting for in this election – and she will be doing it in many NDP-held ridings.

Starting in Surrey-Newton at the campaign office of Sukhminder Virk, the Premier will travel across the Lower Mainland and South Island to meet with British Columbians, from Delta North, to Delta South, Saanich North and the Islands, Saanich South, Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Burnaby-Deer Lake and Vancouver-Kensington, before finishing the day in her home riding of Vancouver-Point Grey.

“We’ve worked relentlessly to build momentum, speaking with British Columbians about the values that built this province,” said Premier Clark. “We’re saying YES to growing our strong economy, saying YES to securing tomorrow for families, and saying YES to putting us on the path to a Debt-Free B.C.”

The Premier has visited every corner of the province throughout this campaign, demonstrating her strong leadership and talking about values that matter to every British Columbian, outworking Adrian Dix and the NDP day after day.

“You have an important opportunity in this election – YOU can stop the NDP,” adds the Premier. “YOU can stop the NDP’s out of control spending that will drive us deeper into debt … YOU can stop the NDP from raising taxes on your family … YOU can stop the NDP from taking our economy backwards.”

Premier Clark will drive a clear message throughout the day tomorrow: on May 14th, say NO to the NDP so that Today’s BC Liberals can say YES to you.

Media Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

Vancouver - Finance Minister Mike de Jong believes the NDP spending spree will be as high as $4.2 billion once wage increases are factored into the NDP’s so-called ‘fiscal plan.’

“Fire up the Spend-o-Meter,” said de Jong. “The NDP knows they will give wage increases to their friends in the public sector unions, yet they haven’t put the amount in their so-called fiscal plan. Their fiscal plan isn’t a plan—it’s a fiscal mess.”

A one per cent increase in total compensation for the entire public service would cost $198 million dollars. The vast majority of public service contracts expire on March 31, 2014. If the NDP gave the public service a modest increase of two per cent per year for two years, this would add a further $1.2 billion to the total of their spending promises.

“We know the public sector unions are expecting a payback for their support of the NDP,” said de Jong. “The only question is how big the payback is. Paid union organizers are running all over the province trying to elect NDP’ers and they clearly are expecting the NDP to open taxpayer’s wallets if the win the election.”

De Jong noted that 27 NDP candidates have been in union leadership positions, including former Hospital Employees Union Secretary-Business Manager Judy Darcy, former BC Government Employees Union President George Heyman and Sylvia Bishop, past Assistant Director with the BC Teacher’s Federation.

“With their union friends helping from the outside, and 27 former labour leaders on the inside, taxpayers are about to get soaked by Adrian Dix and the NDP,” said de Jong. “But as so often in this election campaign, Adrian Dix refuses to tell you what he is planning to do until after the election.”

De Jong noted the comments of Delta South NDP candidate Nic Slater who, on April 18th at an all-candidates meeting, made the following comments on ongoing negotiations between the NDP and BC Teachers Federation:

“That’s why we just hired our negotiator who is going to be, I believe, our deputy premier, a month ago, who is unprecedented, that the government, the NDP, which is expected to form government, would hire our negotiator to negotiate with the teachers before we form government.”

“BC doesn’t need a leader who makes over $4.2 billion in spending promises and likely labour settlements and is apparently in negotiations even before the election has taken place,” said de Jong. “The Spend-o-meter can’t handle $4.2 billion in promises and neither can British Columbians.”

Link to Spend-O-Meter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrMbvnu344g

Richmond – Today Premier Christy Clark attended a picnic at the Croatian Pastoral Centre in Richmond to celebrate Mother’s Day and speak about the importance of sticking to your values.

“On Mother’s Day, I’m reminded of the values my mother taught me. They are the same values that I instill in my son and values that we all share,” said Premier Clark. “To care for each other the way our parents cared for us. To make sure our kids can do better than us.”

Premier Clark spoke about how the only way to protect these values is to grow a strong economy, so we can provide the services families need to take care of each other. The Premier also spoke about how a strong, vibrant economy—the kind of economy that provides opportunities for the future – is an issue that is close to every mother’s heart.

“Moms want the best for their kids,” said Premier Clark. “This is what we are all fighting for - a future for British Columbia that leaves our kids better off.”

Ensuring that all British Columbians can prosper and participate in our economy not only keeps it strong – it’s one of the Premier’s core values. Driven by her interaction with families over the past two years, Premier Clark has advanced policies like:

• The Early Learning Strategy that provides tax relief for child care services;
• A $1,200 RESP for children six and under that helps parents save for their children’s education after high school; and
• Strong Economy. Secure Tomorrow commits to creating B.C.’s first Premier’s Women’s Economic Advisory Council.

BC Liberal Party
News Release

May 11, 2013

Vancouver - According to the NDP’s campaign itinerary for Saturday May 11th, neither does the NDP know where Jane Shin is, nor does it appear that their central campaign team knows she is their candidate in Burnaby-Lougheed.

This is an excerpt from the NDP’s campaign itinerary released this morning:

2:25 PM
Campaign Event
With Candidate Kathy Corrigan, Burnaby-Deer Lake, Janet Routledge, Burnaby-Lougheed, Raj Chouhan, Burnaby-Edmonds.
Burnaby-Deer Lake Campaign Office
5593 A Kingsway, Burnaby BC

There appear to be two things wrong with this release.

First, there is no mention of having Jane Shin make an appearance with NDP Leader Adrian Dix, despite him holding a campaign event in Burnaby and the other three candidates being in attendance.

Second, in their own itinerary, the NDP calls Janet Routledge the NDP candidate for Burnaby-Lougheed. But, we’re pretty sure Ms. Routledge is running in Burnaby North.

Two questions for Adrian Dix this morning:

1. Why doesn’t your campaign team know who is running in Burnaby-Lougheed?

2. Where is Jane Shin?

Attachment: NDP Leader's Tour Itinerary May 11

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Media Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

May 11, 2013

Vancouver - When Adrian Dix was last in the Premier’s Office, he faked a “memo-to-file” to make it appear that then Premier Glen Clark had distanced himself from the decision to grant a casino licence in Burnaby.

On March 16th, 1999, during an RCMP investigation into the ‘Casinogate’ affair, Adrian Dix office and computer were searched as the authorities hunted for evidence in the case.

At that time, Adrian Dix knew what he had done.

Adrian Dix knew that he had faked a memo to make it appear that there was a paper trail that would absolve his friend, boss and roommate, Glen Clark from having had any role in the decision to grant the Burnaby casino licence.

So what did Adrian Dix do?

Did he resign on March 16th and accept responsibility for his actions?

No. He lied and covered up the fact that the memo was a fake.

On March 24th, the day he was fired by Glen Clark, when asked by media about the fake memo, Adrian Dix lied and said, “The memo is authentic, so I can’t comment on the police investigation.”

Instead of doing the right and honourable thing, which would be to resign and admit that he had faked a memo to protect his boss, he lied, was fired and took a severance payment of $65,600.

“Adrian Dix took a $65,000 severance payment from the people of British Columbia when he knew that he had faked a memo and should have resigned without taking a penny,” said Today’s BC Liberal candidate in Surrey-Newton and lawyer Sukhminder Virk. “In this election, voters now have the opportunity to sever Adrian Dix once and for all.”

Today’s BC Liberals are releasing a copy of the severance letter to Adrian Dix and a timeline of Adrian Dix role in the NDP’s Casinogate scandal that forced Glen Clark from office.

Of note is that there is a second NDP candidate who was party to this $65,000 severance arrangement.

Current NDP Energy Critic and Adrian Dix leadership rival, John Horgan witnessed the severance payment and put his signature on the document that provided Adrian Dix with a taxpayer funded $65,000 severance payment.

“Adrian Dix may have tried to ‘accept responsibility’ for faking the memo, but he hasn’t accepted responsibility for taking $65,000 in a taxpayer funded severance payment,” said Virk. “Adrian Dix needs to explain why, when he knew that he had faked a memo, he waited to be fired and take a $65,000 severance payment. If Adrian Dix truly wants to take responsibility, he will personally pay back the $65,000 in severance he received from BC taxpayers."

“Voters can send the NDP a message this election. People who want to be Premier need to stand up and be accountable for their actions, not lie, cover up and hide the truth,” said Virk. “This is someone you can’t count on to do the right thing.”

That’s today’s NDP – the same old gang of backroom operatives that covered up the truth in the 1990s.

That’s the NDP. Weak leadership then. Weak leadership now.

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Download the Memo timeline and severance.

Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

May 11, 2013

Campbell River – With her sights set on winning the North Island riding for the first time since 2001, Premier Christy Clark touched down in Campbell River to talk about the importance of a strong economy.

“The number one issue for people in this riding and in this election is keeping our economy strong for their families,” said Premier Clark. “Our message is clear. B.C. needs strong leadership for a strong economy. Weak leadership means a weak economy, which is why people are increasingly concerned about Adrian Dix and the NDP.”

As the campaign enters the final days, Premier Clark will focus the majority of her campaign stops in ridings not currently held by Today’s BC Liberals.

“I'm visiting Campbell River today because we have a great feeling about this riding and our candidate Nick Facey,” said Premier Clark. “We’re feeling the momentum here and in other ridings we hope to win on election night.”

The choice for British Columbians is stark: Do we move forward with a clear plan to control spending and grow our economy, to put us on the path to a Debt-Free B.C.? Or do we let the NDP drive B.C. deeper into debt with a $3 billion spending spree that will kill jobs and raise taxes on families that are already working hard to make ends meet?

“People know that only a strong economy makes it possible to keep taxes low and have the services we need to take care of each other,” added the Premier. “And people are realizing that we're the only party with the strong leadership needed to keep the economy strong for them.”

In a risky global economy, ONLY Today’s BC Liberals can keep B.C.’s economy strong to securetomorrow.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Vancouver - For a person who says he supports resource communities, Adrian Dix has a funny way of showing it.

As the election campaign nears the end, Dix and the NDP have still not visited large parts of the province that drive our economy.

"It's unbelievable that someone who wants to be premier of British Columbia hasn't made a single visit past Prince George," says Nechako Lakes candidate John Rustad. "It's a slap in the face to the region that contributes so much to our economy."

While Premier Christy Clark has made several trips stretching across Northern B.C., Dix has only gone to the middle of the province - visiting Prince George, Quesnel and Barkerville (the NDP dropped its visit to Williams Lake).

"This is a region that is experiencing a real renaissance," says Stikine candidate Sharon Hartwell. "There's a lot going on up here, especially on the mining side, and it's really worrisome that the NDP don't think it's worth their time. Will they ignore us after the election too?"

BC Liberal Party

May 10, 2013

Vancouver – The NDP thinks your money is their money. As Rodney Dangerfield would say, “they got no respect.”

Today’s BC Liberals are helping parents save for their children’s education after high school. We are putting aside $1200 for every child under six for parents to put in an RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan).

For a lot of families, this is a great kick start to their savings. Right now there are about $300 million in RESP down-payments in the names of young children all across our province.

That’s money for parents to SAVE. Of course, Adrian Dix thinks that it’s his money to SPEND.

In his ‘Back of the Napkin Platform™’, Adrian Dix commits to taking that money away and spending it on his priorities instead of yours.

Now that’s No RESPect. That’s weak leadership.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberals

May 10, 2013

Vancouver – NDP candidate Gabriel Yiu has blasted his own party’s record in government, according to articles written in The Vancouver Sun.

Writing for The Vancouver Sun after the disastrous NDP ’90s, Yiu casts a dark shadow over the “destruction” and “economic stagnation” in British Columbia that was a result of NDP premiers.

• “Such thoughts take us back to Glen Clark. The trail of his destruction stretches behind him, like a long and devastating shadow that crosses into the 21st century.” – Gabriel Yiu, Vancouver Sun, Apr 30/01

• “Under the NDP, B.C. entered a period of economic stagnation with no real recession.” – Gabriel Yiu, Vancouver Sun, May 28/01

• “Glen Clark's record is dismal and deserves to be repudiated by voters: the fudge-it budget, fast-ferry fiasco, SkyTrain expansion, loss of a convention centre, Skeena Cellulose, the farcical Jobs and Timber Accord, etc.” – Gabriel Yiu, Vancouver Sun, Apr 30/01

“With the kind of friends Mr. Dix has, who needs any enemies?” said Suzanne Anton, Today's BC Liberal candidate for Vancouver-Fraserview. “Adrian Dix’s own candidate says that the period of time when Dix was chief of staff to BC’s premier was ‘dismal and deserves to be repudiated by voters’.”

“Adrian Dix is using the same tax, spend and borrow playbook that Mr. Yiu calls ‘a devastating shadow that crosses into the 21st century’,” added Anton. “Does Adrian Dix agree with his candidate's assessment of his performance as chief of staff to Glen Clark, or like Charlie Wyse, did Gabriel Yiu just misspeak?”

“Yiu now likes to advertise the NDP record of the day. Like his leader, his position changes with the wind.”

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party
News Release

May 10, 2013

Vancouver - With four days left in the election campaign, NDP Burnaby-Lougheed candidate Jane Shin has seemingly gone missing.

Despite having been a prolific ‘tweeter’ during the month of April, Jane Shin’s Twitter account has been silent since April 27th, shortly after questions started being raised about the claims she made about her education and experience on her online biographies at LinkedIn, BCIT and the BCNDP websites.

News outlets from across the Lower Mainland have tried reaching Jane Shin but to no avail.

“Ms. Shin did not respond to interview requests. On Tuesday, BCNDP officials told the National Post they were ‘trying to track Jane down.’ On Wednesday, they said she would call, she never did.” - National Post, May 2, 2013

“Shin, the NDP candidate for Burnaby-Lougheed, did not return a call and email from the Burnaby NOW, nor was her campaign manager available.” - Burnaby Now, May 1, 2013

“Shin’s campaign manager told us she was busy today and later an NDP official offered another New Democrat to speak on Shin’s behalf saying she didn’t know when Shin would have enough time to talk to us.” - Ed Watson, CTV News, May 1, 2013

And now, a letter writer in the Burnaby NewsLeader writes: “Perhaps the good doctor is too busy to host or appear at an all-candidates meeting. But if she’s too busy to see me, I’m too busy to vote for her.”

Jane Shin. With four days left in the campaign you owe it to the voters of Burnaby-Lougheed to explain why you and the NDP changed your resume when questions started being asked about your credentials and why you have avoided taking responsibility for your actions.

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Media Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

May 10, 2013

Vancouver - It’s the Friday before the election. The sun is shining, people are wearing shorts and the flip-flops are out. The NDP flip-flops that is.

Adrian Dix and the NDP promised not to run negative ads. They promised to stay positive. They promised to run an ideas campaign…but they’re not.

And we couldn’t help but notice this is not what Adrian Dix promised.

“When people ask me, am I going to respond to the BC Liberal Party's negative attack ads by launching negative attacks on them, I say no.” Chilliwack Times, January 12/12

“We are not going negative.” CKNW, April 10/12

“I'm going to continue to do what I'm doing, which is to be positive.” CKNW, July 10/12

This is just the latest in a series of Adrian Dix flip-flops on this campaign. Quite honestly, we’ve lost count. But here are some we all remember:

• Adrian Dix promised to release his platform before the election… then he dribbled it out after the election started.
• Adrian Dix promised a fully-costed platform… then he delivered a reckless $3 billion spending spree with no plan to pay for it.
• Adrian Dix promised a fair process for Kinder Morgan’s project… then he supported no process at all.
• Adrian Dix said he supports LNG… then he and his candidates were all over the map about whether or not they would bring in a two year moratorium.
• Adrian Dix opposed selling provincial assets… then he announced his intention to sell BC Place with no plan.

Changing your principles whichever way the wind blows. Weak leadership means a weak economy. What did you expect? It’s Adrian Dix.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

May 10, 2013

Vancouver – After criss-crossing British Columbia for the past three weeks, Premier Christy Clark visited Port Metro Vancouver where the opportunities B.C.’s communities work hard to create come together to meet the world.

“I’ve visited communities in every corner of B.C. to show how all regions and all areas of our economy support each other,” said Premier Clark. “Today, our ports are busy because those communities are succeeding. And that’s what a strong economy and strong leadership delivers.”

Today’s BC Liberals are committed to enabling job creation, opening new markets in Asia, and getting goods to market. In 2012 B.C. exports to China increased to $6 billion in 2012, a 16 per cent increase over 2011, while exports to India increased almost 60 per cent in 2012.

Port Metro Vancouver serves 160 countries trading $75 billion in goods annually.

“This is happening because we’re saying YES to resource development. We’re saying YES to forestry, natural gas and mining,” said Premier Clark. “All of this is at risk if we fall victim to $3 billion of out-of-control NDP spending that will kill jobs, raise taxes and hurt families. Weak leadership means a weak economy.”

Only Today’s BC Liberals have strong leadership for a strong economy. Only Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt-Free B.C.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder: Connecting B.C.’s economy to the world

Key facts

Today’s BC Liberals are committed to building a strong economy in British Columbia. Port Metro Vancouver serves 160 countries trading $75 billion in goods annually.

In 2012, Port Metro Vancouver beat its previous record with eight per cent growth in container traffic in 2012. In late 2012, the Prince Rupert Container Terminal also reached a major milestone, shipping half a million cargo containers - surpassing its original design capacity.

The Pacific Gateway: building on our advantages

The BC Jobs Plan is built on our province’s strategic and competitive advantages, including our position as the premier North American gateway to Asia. Our investments with the federal government and private sector in the $22 billion Pacific Gateway have improved the movement of goods.

• The Pacific Gateway Transportation Strategy builds on B.C.’s world-class transportation network, ensures an attractive investment climate, and enhances collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
• Construction has started on the Prince Rupert Road and Rail Utility Corridor project, supported by a $90 million investment from B.C. and our partners.
• We have also committed up to $50 million to the $280 million Deltaport Terminal, Road and Rail Improvement project, which is expected to create 600 to 800 new permanent jobs and increase container capacity at Port Metro Vancouver.
• Construction also continues on a $307 million program of road overpasses in the lower mainland to eliminate road and rail conflicts. These investments are making terminal development at B.C. ports more attractive to investors, who are investing $1.2 billion in five terminal expansion projects in Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

The capital cost of all major projects currently under construction in B.C. is estimated at $80.6 billion, up from $78.9 billion reported in the third quarter of 2012. The capital cost of proposed projects is estimated at approximately $156.3 billion, up from $131.2 billion in the previous quarter.

Critical transportation improvements

Important commitments that improve our Gateway and connect B.C. to Asian markets include these projects that are complete or underway:

• New Port Mann Bridge.
• The South Fraser Perimeter Road.
• Completion of Phase 1 and 2 of the Kicking Horse Canyon Project on the Trans-Canada Highway.
• Completing four-laning of Highway 1 from Kamloops to Alberta.
• Completion of the first phase of the Cariboo Connector from Cache Creek to Prince George.

Asian trade development

B.C.’s goods exports to Asia have increased by more than $7 billion, or 106 per cent, since 2001, reaching more than $14 billion in 2011 – a record amount.

• Since 2007, B.C.’s exports to Asia have increased by more than $5 billion.
• B.C. exports to China increased to $6 billion in 2012, a 16 per cent increase over 2011, while exports to India increased to $321 million, almost a 60 per cent increase in one year.
• B.C. has Trade and Investment Representatives (TIRs) based in Japan, Korea, India, East China, North China, South China, and Hong Kong. There are also TIRs in Europe and the United States. TIRs are trade and investment attraction experts who oversee 13-plus offices and points of service from these strategic locations.

Key commitments from the Strong Economy, Secure Tomorrow platform

Today’s BC Liberals are committed to building a strong economy in B.C., including these measures that improve our Gateway and better connect us to opportunities in Asia:

• Accelerating the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel.
• Committing to annual premier-led and ministerial-level trade missions to Asia.
• Co-sponsoring with the forest industry annual B.C. trade missions to China, India, Japan and Korea to ensure continued export growth in these established and emerging markets.
• Advocating for new international direct flights to B.C. with a goal of three more by 2014.
• Working with Canada and the Business Council of B.C. to create an organization designed to attract major Asian companies to invest and locate their North American presence in British Columbia. The goal is to attract five North American head offices to British Columbia by 2020.

Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party
News Release

May 10, 2013

Puts half-billion dollar hole in so-called NDP ‘fiscal plan’

Vancouver - Once again, the NDP’s so-called “fully-costed platform” is proven to be false due to the NDP forgetting to cost their promise to add $200 million per year to fund TransLink and transportation projects in the province.

On NDP Transportation Critic Harry Bains' website, it states: In terms of funding, Bains wants to use the Lower Mainland's share of $200-plus million in carbon tax dollars to pay for TransLink’s growth.

A Vancouver Courier article from May 8, 2013 reports: The NDP says it will take an estimated $200 million a year by rolling back tax breaks corporations received from the carbon tax fund and share some of that money with an elected TransLink board for transit projects.

And an article from 24hrs on April 8th states: In terms of funding, Bains wants to use the Lower Mainland’s share of $200-plus million in carbon tax dollars to pay for TransLink’s growth.

In an all candidates meeting in Langley on April 16th, NDP candidate Andrew Mercier said, “An NDP government would return $200 million from the carbon tax to TransLink.”

However, in the so-called fully-costed NDP election ‘platform’ the NDP has committed only $30 million, $40 million and $50 million over the next three years for transit, green projects and retrofits - a far cry from the $200 million NDP candidates have promised to provide for transit improvements.

If the NDP was to keep the promise to provide $200 million per year to transportation, it would blow a $480 million dollar hole in the NDP budget.

“Time and time again, we see that the NDP math just doesn’t add up,” says Premier Christy Clark. “How on earth can Adrian Dix be trusted with the provincial chequebook when he can’t make his own platform add up?”

“Their platform costing is little more than a joke,” said Clark. “Reckless and out of control spending. No plan to balance the budget. And now another half-billion hole in their so-called fiscal plan. Weak leadership leads to weak platforms which leads to a weak economy. The NDP simply cannot be trusted to protect BC’s economy.”

-30-

Media Contact:
Sam Oliphant
BC Liberal Party
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com
604-606-6017

May 10, 2013

Vancouver - The latest job numbers show the benefit of strong leadership and why British Columbia can't risk changing course on the economy.

"Premier Christy Clark and Today's BC Liberals have a clear plan for controlling spending and growing the economy - and it is working," says Finance Minister Mike de Jong. "Businesses - large and small - want stability and Adrian Dix and the NDP offer the opposite of that. The constant flip flops, out of control spending and higher taxes would put our economy at risk."

In April, the total number of jobs rose by 9,500 and the unemployment rate fell to 6.4 per cent from 7 per cent.

B.C. gained the second most amount of job in Canada during April, after Alberta.

"We've seen this movie from the NDP before - it features high deficits, high unemployment and people having to leave for work elsewhere," says de Jong. "The change the NDP is offering, weak economic leadership, is not something we can afford."

-30-

Media Contact:

Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

VANCOUVER—On a day that NDP Leader Adrian Dix is once again talking about his so-called ‘platform’ commitment around election finance reform, Today’s BC Liberals have uncovered that the NDP has sunk to a new low in their Low-Down Shakedown™ of British Columbians in order to finance their election campaign.

Not content to sending threatening letters to businesses identifying donations given to the BC Liberal party since 2005, now the BCNDP is sending fundraising letters to individuals with the following paragraph:

“According to our records associated with this email address, you haven't given yet to the BC NDP this year. Show your support today with a contribution of $100.”

“Adrian Dix has ordered his party to scour their email address list to find out who has contributed to the NDP,” said Finance Minister Mike deJong. “It’s not like he’s Santa Claus keeping a list of who’s naughty or nice. This fundraising letter is telling people they are watching who is and who is not giving to their party.”

This is the latest fundraising effort by BC New Democrat General Secretary Jan O’Brien to browbeat British Columbians into contributing to the NDP. First, they tallied up business donations to the BC Liberal Party and sent letters indicating that they expected business to “balance” donations between the parties.

Now, they are doing the same to people on their email list. They are checking to see who has and who has not contributed this year.

“Adrian Dix is taking ‘big brother’ to a whole new level—George Orwell would be either proud or horrified, I’m not sure which,” said deJong. “It’s time the NDP stopped their Low-Down Shakedown’s intimidating fundraising tactics and started treating British Columbians with the respect they deserve.”

Contact:
Sam Oliphant
Today’s BC Liberal Communications
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

NDP fundraising letter

From: Jan O'Brien <jan.obrien@bcndp.org>
Date: Tue, Apr 30, 2013 at 12:44 PM
Subject: Make it count XXXXX

To: XXXX>

XXXXX,

In the next 24 hours, we’ll be making the big budget decisions that will lead us into the final days of the campaign.

We’ll go over what we have in the bank and what we need to do to win just 14 days from now.

We can’t risk coming up short just days before decision day. So we need you on board before it’s too late.

Please pitch in with a contribution of $100 — or whatever you can afford — today: https://secure.bcndp.org/donate/100319

Did you know that your donation is eligible for a generous tax credit? Every dollar you donate goes directly towards our campaign efforts: lawn signs, advertising, and a massive get out the vote campaign. But when it comes time to file your taxes, you’ll get up to 75% of your contribution back.

That means a donation of $100 to the BC NDP today will actually only cost you $25 after the tax credit.

According to our records associated with this email address, you haven't given yet to the BC NDP this year. Show your support today with a contribution of $100.

The BC Liberals are going to give it everything they’ve got in the final push – and they have the money to do it.

If we can’t run a fully funded campaign in the last stage of this election, it could be the difference between winning and losing.

Invest in a better future for British Columbia. $100 today will go a long way in the final days of this campaign, and it will actually only cost you $25 in the end. Use our easy tax calculator to find out more: https://secure.bcndp.org/donate/100319

Thanks for all the work you’ve done.

-Jan

BC Liberal Party
News Release

May 9, 2013

Vancouver - Since Burnaby-Lougheed NDP candidate Jane Shin has seemingly gone into hiding following revelations that she and the NDP were changing her biography to more resemble the truth, it is up to key Shin endorser, NDP Burnaby-Deer Lake Candidate Kathy Corrigan, to answer these questions.

On May 8th, the Burnaby Now website contains a story in which the reporter agrees with Today’s BC Liberals that Jane Shin’s resume is misleading. The writer states, “the bio also refers to her work as a physician, yet she’s never practiced – also misleading.”

Yet, despite these revelations, on Shin’s website, Kathy Corrigan says of Jane Shin: “Jane works hard and is a strong advocate for public health care, accessible education, and the environment. Jane is ready to be our next MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed.”

Today’s BC Liberals have three questions for Kathy Corrigan:

1. Did you know that Jane Shin had not graduated from UBC when you wrote that endorsement?

2. Did you know that Jane Shin had never even completed her residency – let alone practiced medicine – when you granted her an endorsement?

3. If Jane Shin won’t answer questions from the media about her experience and academic credentials, how can you give her an endorsement that “Jane is ready to be our next MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed?"

-30-

Contact:
Sam Oliphant
Today’s BC Liberals
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Vancouver - In a delicious twist of irony, NDP Leader Adrian Dix is holding his Kamloops rally at-wait for it-an arena sponsored by Interior Savings, one of the BC credit unions that would face a one percent annual tax on their member’s assets under an NDP government.

“Only Adrian Dix would be brazen enough to hold an event at a credit union sponsored arena,” said Finance Minister Mike de Jong. “The NDP would impose an annual tax of $1.53 million dollars on Interior Savings members.”

The NDP has promised to institute an annual 1 percent tax on the assets of credit unions in British Columbia. For Interior Savings, the annual bill would be $1.53 million dollars.

“Is Adrian Dix so desperate to pay for his $3 billion spending spree that he needs to tax the assets of credit unions members across BC?” asked deJong. “BC would be the ONLY province in Canada with a tax on credit unions.”

de Jong notes that Interior Savings contributed over $500,000 last year in community investments across their member communities.

“If Adrian Dix is elected, he will put at risk the $500,000 that Interior Savings contributes to communities across the Interior,” said de Jong. “The people of Kamloops should send Adrian Dix a message that they don’t want their credit union taxed by electing Today’s BC Liberal Candidates Terry Lake and Todd Stone.”

Media Contact:

Burnaby – With the provincial election less than one week away and advance polls open today, Premier Christy Clark encouraged British Columbians to make their voice heard and vote for a strong economy and a secure tomorrow.

“Today, B.C. is at a crossroads, with two very different choices,” said Premier Clark. “We can move forward and keep our economy strong or we can put it all at risk and fall victim to $3 billion of out-of-control NDP spending that will kill jobs, raise taxes and hurt families.”

“This is the most important election in decades,” said Premier Clark. “It won’t be decided by polls, but instead by people who get out and vote.”

Advance voting starts today and goes to Saturday, May 11. British Columbians can visit www.elections.bc.ca/ge2013 for details about voting in the advance polls. Voting cards also provide information about voting in the advance polls.

“Today’s BC Liberals say yes to growing the economy and controlling spending,” said Premier Clark. “Adrian Dix and the NDP say no to growing the economy. They believe in growing government, raising taxes and leaving a bigger debt for our children.”

Only Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt-Free B.C.

BC Liberal Party
News Release

May 8, 2013

Kamloops - Today, in an interview with the Surrey Leader, NDP Leader Adrian Dix once again reversed his position on the Kinder Morgan pipeline.

Here is an excerpt from an interview between CBC radio host Rick Cluff and Adrian Dix from Monday, May 6, 2013:

Rick Cluff: Would you support Kinder Morgan if that expansion involved the terminal Cherry Point in the States as opposed to Burnaby?

Adrian Dix: No, our position is very clear on this… those are two projects (Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan expansion) that I don’t think are in our economic or environmental interests.

Later in the interview, Dix confirms: “these projects aren’t in our interest.”

Yet following an interview with Jeff Nagel of the Surrey Leader, Nagel writes, “NDP leader Adrian Dix still won't explicitly rule out a twinning of the Kinder Morgan oil pipeline through B.C.”

The article continues:

"What I say 'no, period' to is transforming the ports of Metro Vancouver into major oil export ports," Dix said when asked in an interview Wednesday why he doesn't fully reject the twinning.

"That increase in oil tankers off our coast is not in our economic and environmental interest and I'm against it."

“Why should people who are truly concerned about Kinder Morgan believe anything Adrian Dix says,” asks Environment Minister Terry Lake. “He simply can’t get his story straight. One day he is fine with letting the process run its course. Then he is against oil tanker traffic. Then he is against the entire project. Now he reverses course and says that he is only against the expansion of oil tankers through Vancouver Harbour.”

“Adrian Dix isn’t even providing weak leadership,” says Lake. “Adrian Dix is providing no leadership, abandoning principle after principle, position after position, in a desperate effort to shore up his disastrous election campaign.”

-30-

For further information contact:
Sam Oliphant
BC Liberal Party
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Fort Nelson – Today, Premier Christy Clark visited the Spectra Energy facility in Fort Nelson to connect the dots on how strong leadership and a strong economy will create jobs for families both in Fort Nelson and around B.C.

“Today we are at the heart of one of the greatest job opportunities that B.C. has ever had,” said Premier Clark. “Liquefying natural gas means creating 100,000 jobs for B.C. families. Both here in Fort Nelson and in the professional services industry in the Lower Mainland.”

The Premier outlined three issues that are key to securing the natural gas opportunity, where Today’s BC Liberals say YES and the NDP say NO:

• Today’s BC Liberals say YES to natural gas recovery. The NDP say NO, because they want to delay it or put a moratorium on it.
• Today’s BC Liberals say YES to Site C, because we need it to power the natural gas industry. The NDP say NO, because their special interests tell them to.
• Today’s BC Liberals say YES to rural revenue sharing opportunities. The NDP say NO because their new natural gas tax will drive the industry to Alberta, so there will be no revenue to share.

The Premier spoke about how Spectra Energy represents both the past and future of B.C.’s economy, noting that there are families where three generations have found work with the company that has been operating for over 55 years, and yet they still continue to innovate, having been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies and received a Canada’s Greenest Employers award.

“Only Today’s BC Liberals have strong leadership for a strong economy,” said Premier Clark. “Only Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to put us on the path to a Debt-Free B.C.”

For more information:
Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder: Securing LNG means thousands of jobs

Since the BC Jobs Plan was launched, Premier Christy Clark’s leadership has moved the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) opportunity forward, resulting in nine proposals to create jobs and investment in B.C. Our government’s LNG Strategy, a part of the BC Jobs Plan, expects to see three LNG facilities operating by 2020.

Three key issues must be resolved in the B.C. Northeast for the LNG opportunity to develop.

Site C
The NDP are divided on LNG and have not shown industry the clear positions that investors need. They oppose the development of clean-energy Site C. They have promised to review, and even impose a moratorium, on hydraulic fracturing, even though B.C. already has the most up-to-date regulations in the world.

Natural gas recovery
Today’s BC Liberals are committed to British Columbia remaining a world leader in safe natural gas extraction practices.

We will continue to innovate and support the use of world-leading hydraulic fracturing techniques to supply LNG projects with natural gas.

We are committed to requiring annual reporting on water issues arising from hydraulic fracturing through the BC Oil and Gas Commission.

We will continue to apply tough environmental standards to those who use our water.

The NDP have promised to review, and even impose a moratorium, on hydraulic fracturing, even though B.C. already has the most up-to-date regulations in the world. These actions will prevent job creation and cause investment to go elsewhere.

Rural revenue sharing
B.C. has been built on its resource industries. The BC Liberal government has negotiated agreements with communities in Northeast B.C., such as a recently signed framework with Fort Nelson, to share in resource revenues to help build their communities and plan for future growth.

BC Liberal Party
News Release

May 6, 2013

Vancouver – As Premier Christy Clark heads for Fort Nelson today, BC Liberal candidates in the North want to know why NDP leader Adrian Dix has been ignoring the resource-rich region.

Pat Pimm, seeking re-election for Today’s BC Liberals in Peace River North, lists a string of visits to the north by Premier Clark and contrasts that with Dix’s lone campaign appearance.

“The premier is in Fort Nelson tonight and tomorrow, then goes on to Kitimat. She has already been to Fort St. John, Farmington and Dawson Creek. She has been to Prince George, Terrace and to Prince Rupert and Port Edward," says Pimm. “She has made it clear how important the North and our economy is to the economy of B.C. She gets it. She supports us and our region and our economy and our development. She knows you can’t grow the economy if you always say no.

“For Mr. Dix, the world apparently ends at Prince George. He’s made one visit to Prince George and Quesnel, along with a trip to Barkerville. There’s a lot more of British Columbia to see and I don’t understand when he professes to support resource communities he’s avoiding them.”

Mike Bernier, mayor of Dawson Creek and BC Liberal candidate in Peace River South, wants to know if ignoring the North is Dix’s own idea.

“It’s shocking with a week left in the election that the NDP have not come to the north,” he says. “Is this part of his plan or have his northern candidates actually asked him to stay away because he really doesn't support resource development, and the voters in the north know it?”

Premier Clark has been clear of her support for liquefied natural gas developments in northeastern BC and the potential for LNG export facilities in the northwest.

Carol Leclerc, running for Today’s BC Liberals in the Skeena riding, says the premier is providing a plan for a strong economy that includes a world-class LNG industry.

“We are talking of a once-in-lifetime opportunity to build a trillion-dollar industry, create scores of thousands of jobs, benefit all areas of B.C., and to establish a Prosperity Fund to pay off B.C.’s provincial debt. That’s a Debt-Free BC for us and our children and our grandchildren,” says Leclerc.

But where is the elusive Dix on these subjects? Judy Fraser, the BC Liberal candidate in the North Coast constituency, wants some answers.

“He hasn't even given us a vision, not even a single sighting of his campaign bus. You need strong leadership for a strong economy and avoiding Northern B.C. is a clear sign that the NDP and Adrian Dix don’t understand resource communities and have no plan except to grow government,” says Fraser.

Only Premier Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals have a plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt-Free BC.

-30-

Media Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

Vancouver – On radio this morning, NDP leader Adrian Dix changed the NDP’s position on the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain expansion project yet again. In doing so, Dix completely contradicted the previous statements of his leadership rival and NDP House Leader John Horgan on where the NDP stood on the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.

“On April 25, John Horgan went to Kinder Morgan and told them that they weren’t opposed to their project. Today, Adrian Dix has said the exact opposite, shredding whatever credibility was left of one of his most senior people,” says Energy Minister Rich Coleman. “Throwing John Horgan under the bus is a sign of weak leadership and not what British Columbia needs. We need strong leadership for a strong economy.”

CBC Radio, May 6, 2013:

Rick Cluff: Would you support Kinder Morgan if that expansion involved the terminal Cherry Point in the States as opposed to Burnaby?

Adrian Dix: No, our position is very clear on this… those are two projects (Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan expansion) that I don’t think are in our economic or environmental interests.

Later in the interview, Dix confirms: “these projects aren’t in our interest.”

However, in an April 24 interview with Surrey Leader reporter Jeff Nagel, NDP energy critic John Horgan made the following statements:

Jeff Nagel: But you haven’t ruled out the pipeline twinning per se?

John Horgan: That’s correct.

Jeff Nagel: Clearly this is not an outright ‘no’ to the pipeline?

John Horgan: No.

Jeff Nagel: Is there a case to be made for saying a terminal in BC waters we’d at least have Canadian control over the terms and conditions of movements?

John Horgan: I think those types of discussions are way too hypothetical for the middle of an election campaign for me, Jeff, if you don’t mind.

John Horgan: After May 14th we’ll see where we go.

“Today, we see Adrian Dix and the NDP take yet another position on Kinder Morgan,” says Coleman. “First, they wanted to wait for an application on Kinder Morgan. Then, they said they opposed the increase in tanker traffic through Vancouver, but did not say an outright ‘no’ to the project. Now, Adrian Dix has changed his mind yet again on the project.

“These are the types of policy flip flops you expect in banana republics, not the province of British Columbia. These flip flops are revealing Adrian Dix’s true colours to investors. He is making it up on the fly and abandoning his so-called ‘principles’ on a daily basis and that is simply weak leadership.”

Adds Coleman: “Adrian Dix has no choice but to immediately strip John Horgan of his title as NDP energy critic as it is clear Dix has not been telling investors the truth about the NDP position on the Kinder Morgan expansion.”

Delta – At a stop along the new South Fraser Perimeter road, Premier Christy Clark detailed how a strong economy enables infrastructure investments that grow the economy and support families.

“Only a strong economy and strong leadership can deliver the roads, bridges and transit system that are so vital to supporting families and connecting our communities,” said Premier Clark. “Where the NDP built debt and left failed projects, Today’s BC Liberals invested to grow the economy – and it is working.”

Throughout the 1990s, the NDP made big promises, but investments in British Columbia’s roads were substantially reduced. The NDP opposed the Port Mann Bridge and the South Fraser Perimeter Road.

“A decade of neglect left B.C. with deteriorating infrastructure and bottlenecks that put families at risk,” said Premier Clark. “Travel time in the Lower Mainland increased significantly and was costing the economy as much as $1.5 billion a year.”

Today’s BC Liberals will balance the budget and continue to make strategic investments. Balanced Budget 2013 means capital expenditures of $10.4 billion over the next three years. Since 2001, we have invested over $15 billion in transportation infrastructure — while maintaining our AAA credit rating.

Only Premier Clark and Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt-Free B.C.

Media Contact:
Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder 1: Building critical infrastructure to grow the economy and support families

Today’s BC Liberals will continue to make historic investments in public infrastructure. We have abundant resources and our ports are closer to Asian markets than anywhere else in North America. To take full advantage of these huge strategic advantages, we also need world-class infrastructure. That’s why we are investing in our ports, railways, roads and airports.

Since 2005 the public and private partners in the Pacific Gateway Alliance have completed over $22 billion of work to expand our ports, roads, airports and runways.

Projects around B.C. completed:

• Canada Line: Adds transit capacity equivalent to 10 major road lanes.
• Sea to Sky Highway: Increased safety, reliability and capacity.
• New Port Mann Bridge: World’s widest bridge cutting commute times in half and the first time since 1986 that public transit is crossing the Port Mann Bridge.

Projects around B.C. in progress:

• Evergreen Line: Will save commuters to downtown Vancouver up to 45 minutes a day.
• South Fraser Perimeter Road: Improving the movement of people and goods to better connect Deltaport to Highway 1.
• Kicking Horse Canyon Project: Upgraded 26 km of Trans-Canada Highway from Highway 95 junction in Golden to the western boundary of Yoho National Park.

Today’s BC Liberals will:

• Complete South Fraser Perimeter Road on time and on budget by December 2013 to help get goods to markets.
• Work with communities in Metro Vancouver to accelerate replacement of the Massey Tunnel.
• Complete four-laning of Highway 1 from Kamloops to Alberta border — a $650-million investment that means 3,300 direct jobs over 10 years.
• Invest $582 million to complete another 45 seismic upgrades of B.C. schools over the next three years.
• Collaborate with the Union of B.C. Municipalities on municipal priorities for next round of federal infrastructure funding.
• Work with the Metro Vancouver Mayor’s Council and TransLink to identify possible sources of funding for transit improvements. Any new revenue sources would then be subject to a referendum to be held at the same time as the municipal elections in November 2014.
• Initiate and consult on a transportation strategy for Vancouver Island to improve movement of people and goods by road, rail, air and sea. This strategy will include safety improvements to the Malahat corridor.
• Build on B.C.'s $7.5-million investment in the E&N corridor by encouraging the federal government and VIA Rail to re-establish rail passenger service on Vancouver Island.

Backgrounder 2: South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR)

Today’s BC Liberals said YES to this major project. The NDP said NO.

A new, 40km four-lane, 80km/hr route along the south side of the Fraser River from Deltaport Way in southwest Delta to 176th Street (Hwy 15) in Surrey, with connections to Highways 1, 15, 17, 91, 99, and TransLink’s Golden Ears Bridge.

The three-phase project incorporates extensive agricultural enhancements that will provide significant benefits for local farmers and agriculture in Delta – improving the range and quality of crops that can be grown on more than 6,070 hectares (15,000 acres) of farmland.

What improvements does it deliver?

• Improves quality of life in residential areas by removing trucks and regional commuter traffic from community streets and putting them back on the highway.
• Improves safety by getting trucks off local roads.
• Improves access for emergency vehicles.
• Restores municipal roads as community connectors by reducing truck traffic on local road networks.
• Connections to municipal cycling networks
• Future commercial development land created through clean-up and closure of contaminated landfill areas.

What did the NDP say about the South Fraser Perimeter Road?

“They continue to foolishly spend on a road that we don't want or need...” – Guy Gentner, Delta North NDP MLA, Hansard, Mar 09/10

Backgrounder 3: Port Mann Bridge

Today’s BC Liberals delivered the Port Mann Bridge, the NDP opposed it.

The Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project includes construction of a new 10-lane Port Mann Bridge (the widest bridge in the world), 37 kilometres of highway widening from Vancouver to Langley, including 30 kilometres of new HOV lanes, and the replacement of nine highway interchanges. These improvements will significantly reduce congestion and travel times along the Lower Mainland’s busiest and most congested highway.

Eight lanes on the new bridge opened to traffic December 1, 2012, significantly expanding the capacity of the existing five-lane bridge.

What improvements does it deliver?

Significantly reduced congestion and travel times along the Lower Mainland’s busiest and most congested highway. Drivers are now experiencing significant time savings and have more time with their families. These improvements also make transit service across the bridge possible for the first time in a generation.

What did the NDP say about the Port Mann Bridge?

“I’ve said it’s the wrong bridge and the wrong plan.” – Carole James, then NDP Leader, CTV, Sep 27/07

Backgrounder 4: George Massey Tunnel

Today’s BC Liberals said YES to this major project. The NDP said NO.

A key component of the regional and provincial transportation system, it carries more than 80,000 vehicles a day.

The existing four-lane George Massey Tunnel opened in 1959 and is the only major Fraser River crossing in Metro Vancouver with a single lane of traffic in the off-peak direction during the daily commute.

Congestion and the fact that the existing tunnel has 10 to 15 years of useful life led to a firm commitment by Today’s BC Liberals to work with communities in Metro Vancouver to move forward on accelerating the tunnel’s replacement.

What are the next steps?

Phase 2 consultation is now complete. The next phase will commence under Today’s BC Liberals following the May 14 election. If the NDP form government, the project will stop.

What did the NDP say about the George Massey Tunnel?

“I’m not so convinced that the answer is a brand new crossing... Things that could be done to improve traffic flow is painting the inside of the George Massey Tunnel to make it brighter.”
— Sylvia Bishop, BC NDP candidate for Delta North, Shere Punjab, January 2013

Vancouver – As Adrian Dix continues to say yes to out-of-control spending and no to growing the economy, another NDP candidate has come out against the opportunity to make British Columbia a major world exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

First, it was the NDP Environment Critic Rob Fleming who was quoted as calling the LNG opportunity, 'insanity.'

Next up to bat was the NDP platform that promised to kill the Site C dam that would power the liquefied natural gas plants and impose a new carbon tax on natural gas extraction that would cost the industry $200 million in the first three years before siphoning an annual $105 million out of the industry.

Then, former NDP MLA and current NDP candidate Charlie Wyse told an all candidates meeting in his riding that, "The position of the NDP is that there will be a moratorium put on frac’ing for the next two years..."

This time it is Alberni-Pacific Rim candidate Scott Fraser, who is showing the NDP's true feelings towards the LNG opportunity.

"Once LNG is out of the ground and shipped its value to our economy is gone. It's like investing in an ice cream cone. As soon as you've bought it your investment has already started to melt away," he wrote on a social media site.

"Scott Fraser's message is clear – he doesn't believe that we should be exporting our natural gas to Asia," says Energy Minister Rich Coleman. "How can Adrian Dix be taken seriously on LNG when his candidates continue to dump on the LNG opportunity. Only the NDP would compare billions of dollars in new investment and thousands of jobs to an ice cream cone."

Fraser's dismissive comments are directed at an industry that could help grow the Port Alberni economy.

The province has set aside approximately 750 hectares of land in a Map Reserve while the Port Alberni Port Authority looks at the development of new, modern shipping terminals. Such expansion may involve the development of a Containers Trans Shipment and Short Sea Shipping Regional Distribution Centre; export site for Liquefied Natural Gas; and other commodities such as aggregates, minerals and forest industry products.

"It takes strong leadership to grow a strong economy," says Coleman. "Changing the rules on a whim and belittling people who want to invest in our province shows Dix's weak leadership on the economy. He can't be trusted to grow our economy, only to grow the size of government.”

"Why would Scott Fraser attack an industry that could help his community's economy for decades," asked Coleman. "The NDP doesn't support LNG - Scott Fraser's comments just re-inforce that message to world investors."

Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

May 5, 2013

Today, Adrian Dix stopped at Canfor's Elko sawmill - which is receiving a $40 million upgrade - to talk skills training. Here's what he didn't tell you.

• On lumber production: “Total production in BC rose nearly 5 percent from January…strongest pace of production since early 2008." - Bryan Yu, Central 1 credit union, Vancouver Sun, May 4/13

• The BC Jobs Plan will ensure the over $500 million provided annually for labour market and training programs is targeted to meeting regional labour market needs.

• Government invests more than $100 million annually in industry training through the Industry Training Authority (ITA) - almost $33 million more than it did in 2004 when the ITA was established.

• ITA is dedicated to providing career development opportunities for British Columbians and a skilled workforce for industry.

• There are currently more than 35,000 registered apprentices in the system (including youth) - an increase of 1,000 over last February, and more than double the number of apprentices registered when the ITA was created in 2004.

• Last year, B.C. saw a record number of qualified tradespersons enter B.C.'s labour market -ITA issued 8,750 Certificates of Qualifications ("tickets").

• Seat capacity in ITA-funded apprenticeship programs has increased by 19 per cent over the last six years, from 18,098 spaces in 2005-06 to more than 21,000 spaces in 2012-13.

• Completion rates for B.C. were 53 per cent (since 1994) and 54 per cent (since 1995) respectively.

• This is slightly above the national rate of 49 and 51 per cent.

• Enhancing B.C.'s apprenticeship completion rates is a key priority under the BC Skills and Training Plan.

• Actions ITA is taking to help more apprentices reach their trades credential include:
  • Working closely with the Ministry of Education, K-12 educators and others to increase - by 50 per cent - the number of high school graduates that proceed immediately from school to a trades or technical program.
  • Implementing regionally-dispersed coaches and improving online resources to better support apprentices and their employers.
  • Piloting approaches with stakeholders and partners that improve the outcomes of apprenticeship training programs. One example is a front-end loaded training strategy for commercial transport vehicle mechanics at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops to shorten the time to credential.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

May 5, 2013

Vancouver - The release of the 'complete' NDP platform is raising many questions - including about Adrian Dix's spending plans for his union supporters.

"We know the NDP is committed to out-of-control and so far the Spend-O-Meter has hit $3 billion," says Suzanne Anton, Today's BC Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Fraserview. "That's just the tip of the iceberg, as Adrian Dix left out plenty of detail on how and where he'd spend your money. In particular, he makes no mention of new contracts for his union supporters."

Anton notes Dix has 27 candidates who were table officers with the various unions that are devoting resources to elect the NDP. Since 2009, the unions have donated more than $5 million to the NDP. A one per cent hike in wages would cost taxpayers $225 million a year.

"A recent newsletter from the BCGEU profiled six candidates and called them 'Your BCGEU Candidates' and that should worry people," says Anton. "Adrian Dix is hiding more out of control spending, he won't say how much of a reward union bosses can expect, and the union bosses clearly see the NDP candidates as their candidates."

"Adrian Dix is showing weak leadership with his plans to grow spending and grow government but no plans to grow the economy. On one of biggest potential costs to government, the cost of labour, he won't give British Columbians the straight answer they deserve before election day."

Only Premier Christy Clark and Today's BC Liberals have a plan to control spending, grow the economy and get to a Debt-Free BC.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder

NDP Union connections:

• Andrew Mercier, Shop Steward for Teamster Local 213
• Bill Routley, President, USW, local 1-80
• Carole Gordon, Past President of North Okanagan Labour Council, BCTF member
• Charlie Wyse, Past President of Cariboo Chilcotin Teacher’s Association, Past Chair of North Central District Labour Council
• Darwin Wren, Past Committee Member for Health Sciences Professionals Bargaining Association
• Doug Routley, Past Executive Board Member, USW, local 1-80
• Elizabeth Rosenau, Past Safety Steward for Health Sciences Association at Eagle Ridge Hospital
• George Heyman, Past BCGEU President
• Gian Sihota, Past Shop Steward and Facilitator for CAW Local 111
• Harry Bains, Past First Vice-President, Steelworkers-IWA, local 2171
• Janet Routledge, Past Director of Political Action at BC Federation of Labour
• Jessica Van der Veen, Current consultant for Union of BC Performers/ACTRA
• Judy Darcy, Past National President of CUPE
• Judy Fox McGuire, Current Second Vice Chairperson of BCGEU Component 6 (social, information and health)
• Kathy Kendall, Past President of Professional Employees Association
• Mable Elmore, Past Executive Member of Vancouver and District Labour Council, Past Committee Co-Chair, CAW
• Mark Olsen, Current President of CUPE Local 5523
• Mike Bocking, Current President of Media Union of BC CEP Local 2000
• Mike Nuyens, Current BCGEU Component 10 Chairperson (highways maintenance)
• Norm MacDonald, Past President, Golden Teachers' Association
• Raj Chouhan, Past Bargaining Director, Hospital Employees Union and founding President, Canadian Farmworkers Union
• Shane Simpson, former legislative coordinator for CUPE in Vancouver
• Sherry Ogasawara, Currently BCGEU Local 411/10 Chair, Serves on women’s committee
• Susanne Skidmore-Hewlett, Current Second Vice-Chairperson BCGEU Component 12
• Sylvia Bishop, Past Assistant Director of the BCTF
• Terry Platt, Past Third Vice-President, BC Ferries and Marine Workers Union
• Tom Friedman, Past President and Chief Bargainer of TRU Faculty Association

Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

May 5, 2013

Vancouver – Premier Christy Clark visited the Schaffner family in Vancouver to discuss the $1,200 Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for four-year-old Stella that Adrian Dix and the BC NDP want to take away.

“We’re here visiting the Schaffners because Stella’s education is at stake,” said Premier Clark. “This isn’t hypothetical – $1,200 has already been set aside for Stella’s education. Adrian Dix has proposed to literally take it away, because he thinks he can spend it better than Otto and Karin.”

Children born on or after January 1, 2007 are eligible for one-time B.C. government grants of $1,200 to go into their RESPs. The program was initiated in 2007 by the BC Liberals. To date, $300 million has been set aside for these RESPs.

Adrian Dix says he will take back this $300 million to help pay for his $3 billion in proposed NDP spending increases – and that’s just so far.

“This is another example of the uncertainty the NDP would introduce. Families have planned on this RESP – but Mr. Dix is telling them there’s no point in making long-term plans under an NDP government,” says Premier Clark.

Only Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt-Free B.C.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder:

NDP WILL END B.C. TRAINING AND EDUCATION SAVINGS GRANT FOR CHILDREN

When a B.C. resident child turns six years old, he or she is eligible for a one-time grant of $1,200 to go into his or her Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).

NDP leader Adrian Dix says $300 million already set aside for our kids’ postsecondary educations in the RESP program will be clawed back and spent on teacher raises, film subsidies and other measures that are part of $3 billion in NDP spending promises.

This is money for families to SAVE, the NDP thinks it's theirs to SPEND.

Families with eligible children will receive a confirmation letter stating the B.C. government will deposit $1,200 into their RESP — but not under the NDP.

Today’s BC Liberals started investing in the Children’s Education Fund in 2007.

By partnering with families to help realize the power of savings, the provincial government created the $1,200 B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant. To qualify a child must be a resident of B.C. when the grant application is made and:

• Be born on or after January 1, 2007.

• Have an RESP in place.

By opening an RESP account, not only is the child entitled to the B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant, they may also benefit from the Canada Learning Bond and Canada Education Savings Grants offered by the government of Canada.

Even with a modest family contribution of $10 a month, a child starting school this September could have over $4,000 in their RESP by the time they graduate from high school.

That’s enough to get a good start in any post-secondary program, whether it's vocational skills, college or university. At $50 a month, for families that can do that, the equivalent amount would be $12,000.

The grant together with a modest family contribution starting can reduce the time it takes to pay off student loans and start a family or buy a home.

Timeline

2007: Government first started investing in the Children’s Education Fund.

February 2013: Families with eligible children who open or already have an RESP will receive a confirmation letter stating the B.C. government will deposit $1,200 into their RESP (as soon as the administrative process for this new program is in place).

April 2013: Adrian Dix serves notice that the $300 million accumulated for this program will be clawed back and spent on policies determined by the BC Teachers Federation and the BC Federation of Labour.

Further background:

http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2013/backgrounders/2013_backgrounder_bc_training_educ.pdf

Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

May 4, 2013

“People are going to know specifically what we're going to do before the election.” – Adrian Dix, CHNL, Jan 10/13

“We have said on issues including labour that on significant issues we're going to tell people what the policy...if there will be significant policy changes so people know. We want to have a mandate.... If we win this election, we want to have a mandate and you get a mandate by telling people what you're going to do and then doing it afterwards.” - NDP caucus chair Shane Simpson, CKNW, September 18, 2012

“Form a special panel, under the Labour Code, to recommend changes to ensure workers can freely exercise their right to join a union. Within 90 days the panel will consult with interested parties and recommend possible changes regarding certification options, including the card check model….”- NDP “Platform” p. 33

Vancouver—Despite promising to let people “know specifically what we’re going to do before the election,” NDP Leader Adrian Dix is refusing to say how he would change the British Columbia labour code.

“The NDP says that they would ‘re-balance’ the labour code without telling British Columbians exactly what that means,” said Today’s BC Liberal candidate Andrew Wilkinson (Vancouver-Quilchena). “Adrian Dix said one thing before the election and now is doing the exact opposite.”

The NDP's refusal to explain how they plan to 'rebalance' the labour code - along with the broken promise that they would announce whether they plan to repeal the secret ballot for union certification - is creating economic uncertainty and is out of touch with small business.

The Coalition of BC Businesses, which represents small businesses in 13 sectors of the BC economy, recently commissioned a survey of 600 randomly selected British Columbians. That research found that more than two-thirds of people want to keep the secret ballot vote for union certification, believe that most employees are treated fairly by small businesses, and agree that current employment policies protect employees.

“The vast majority of British Columbians do not want the kind of changes to current labour and employment policies being promised by the NDP,” said Mark von Schellewitz, chair of the Coalition of BC Businesses. “This is a clear indication that the NDP’s labour platform is out of sync with the wishes of average British Columbians.”

Today's BC Liberals are calling on Adrian Dix and the NDP to come clean on their planned changes.

"This is not the time for weak leadership," says Wilkinson. "By hiding their true agenda, Adrian Dix and the NDP are weakening the economy. Businesses want certainty, they want to know what the rules are and Dix is planning to surprise them with new rules after the election."

"On such a fundamental right as a secret ballot, why won't the NDP give a straight, honest answer?" asks Wilkinson. "British Columbians deserve better. Premier Christy Clark is offering strong leadership and certainty so we can grow the economy."

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Media Contact:

Ben James
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

Burnaby – Premier Christy Clark visited Garibaldi Glass today to speak about how the NDP’s weak leadership on the economy poses a serious risk to manufacturing businesses across B.C.

“Today, our economy is strong but breakable,” said Premier Clark. “Like the glass you manufacture here, it’s strong enough to stand up to powerful forces, but a crack can become a big problem quickly.”

The Premier spoke about how Garibaldi Glass – a family business founded in 1966 – nearly went bankrupt during the NDP 1990s, forcing them to go through the heartbreaking process of laying off workers. Yet under Today’s BC Liberal government, Garibaldi Glass was able to get back on its feet, grow its business and create jobs for families again.

“We are fearful of a return to the 90s economy,” said Chris Mobius, one of three brothers who run the business today. “We love doing business in B.C. But our business and our employees just can’t afford a return to an economy that was very hard on our business.”

The Premier also spoke about the NDP’s plan to freeze all capital spending that’s not already underway, which means uncertainty for the construction of new schools, hospitals and tourist destinations that benefit manufacturing businesses like Garibaldi Glass.

Today’s BC Liberals are controlling spending to balance our budget and hold the line on taxes. In our platform, Strong Economy. Secure Tomorrow, we will freeze personal and carbon taxes. We are committed to growing our economy through measures such as reducing the small business tax by 40 per cent, and reducing the corporate income tax to 10 per cent.

Only Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt-Free B.C.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

May 3, 2013

Vancouver – At a movie theatre in Vancouver today, Finance Minister Michael de Jong unveiled Today’s BC Liberals’ latest television ad. The advertisement, called “NDP: Weak Economy”, puts a clear focus on the NDP’s record during the 1990s.

“I’ve said it before, but the only thing worse than watching a bad movie is having to watch the bad sequel,” said de Jong. “The NDP ’90s were tough on families and tough on businesses – out-of-control spending, tax hikes and mounting debt forced businesses to close shop and families to split apart as people looked outside BC for work.”

The NDP ’90s were characterized by a spend, tax, and borrow cycle that hurt BC’s economy:

• Spend - $7.8 billion in over-budgeted spending
• Tax - 70 new taxes and fee increases
• Borrow - net debt as a percentage of GDP grew by 25%
• Credit - six consecutive credit downgrades

“It is clear the NDP haven’t changed at all – Adrian Dix is promising over $3 billion in new spending, a return to deficits with no plan to balance BC’s budget,” added de Jong. “Today’s BC Liberals are focused on controlling spending, growing our economy and putting the province on a path to a Debt-Free BC.”

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Media Contact:

Ben James
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party
News Release

May 2, 2013

Find Jane Shin – Win a Prize

Vancouver – The NDP are hiding Burnaby-Lougheed candidate Jane Shin in a massive effort in damage control, stemming from the revelations that she and the NDP altered her biographies on LinkedIn, BCIT and the BCNDP websites when confronted with questions about her experience and credentials.

“Ms. Shin did not respond to interview requests. On Tuesday, BCNDP officials told the National Post they were ‘trying to track Jane down.’ On Wednesday, they said she would call, she never did.” -National Post, May 2, 2013

“Shin, the NDP candidate for Burnaby-Lougheed, did not return a call and email from the Burnaby NOW, nor was her campaign manager available.” - Burnaby Now, May 1, 2013

“Shin’s campaign manager told us she was busy today and later an NDP official offered another New Democrat to speak on Shin’s behalf saying she didn’t know when Shin would have enough time to talk to us.” - Ed Watson, CTV News, May 1, 2013

“Why is the NDP hiding Jane Shin from the media?” asks Finance Minister Mike de Jong. “Does the NDP really not know where she is, or are they just cynically hoping to hide her from the media until after the election?”

De Jong has put forward three possible locations where the NDP may be hiding Jane Shin:

1. The University of Florida. In an April 14th interview, when asked about where she went to medical school, she said, “The University of Florida.”
2. Oxford University. The school Jane Shin previously listed as having “trained” at but has now been removed from all websites.
3. UBC. The school Jane Shin claimed to have graduated medical school from and later claimed having had graduated from with a doctorate in cell biology and genetics.

“The NDP is playing very cynical politics with the media and voters of Burnaby Lougheed,” said de Jong. “It’s time for the NDP to stop playing games with voters and come clean on why Jane Shin and Adrian Dix changed her websites when confronted with the facts and why Adrian Dix called her a medical professional, when it is clear that she has never been a licensed physician or a physician.”

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For further information contact:
Sam Oliphant
BC Liberal Party
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Penticton – Premier Christy Clark and Mayor Dan Ashton, Today’s BC Liberals candidate, visited one of the region’s largest employers to talk about how controlling government spending holds the line on taxes and helps businesses create jobs. The NDP will increase taxes and drive away opportunity through out-of-control spending.

“A strong economy needs strong leadership,” said Premier Clark. “When Dan became mayor of Penticton, taxes were too high. Spending was out of control. There was a massive structural deficit. Dan broke the tax and spend trap, and his community is thriving.”

Mayor Ashton led an effort with city staff to control spending without affecting service levels for residents. Through hard work and tough but necessary action, Dan was able to halt increases to municipal taxes to help the local economy grow.

“Penticton had forgotten who its customers were,” said Mayor Ashton. “Its customers were taxpayers. We had to get costs down.” Mayor Ashton is among 34 Today’s BC Liberals candidates with direct local government experience, including five current mayors and 10 current councillors.

Premier Clark and Mayor Ashton met with workers at Britco Ltd., a company whose success depends on energy, resource and infrastructure industries – all under threat by the NDP. Britco is thriving in Penticton and is a great B.C. success story. Started in Langley in 1977, Britco now has 1,000 employees in three countries.

“Never before has strong, dependable leadership been so important,” said Premier Clark. “Companies like Britco are so important for B.C.’s economy, and they can’t afford weak and unpredictable leadership that will frighten away investors leading to a weak economy that would hurt families.”

Only Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt-Free B.C.

For more information:

BC Liberal Party

April 30, 2013

Vancouver - Today’s BC Liberals have uncovered yet another example of Jane Shin appearing to mislead voters about her educational credentials.

In a magazine called The Vankoreans, Jane Shin is featured on page 64 with a list of her education and employment experience.

In it she claims to have “earned a doctorate at UBC in genetics and cell biology.” In fact, according to a resume obtained by the BC Liberals, Ms. Shin describes herself as a “candidate” for a Bachelor’s degree in Science from UBC.

Nowhere in the article does it mention that she attended a Caribbean medical school called Spartan Health Services University (SHSU). The school is mentioned on the ValueMD website, where it is noted that out of 1,642 international medical schools, Spartan is one of 10 whose graduates are banned from licensure in the state of California.

“We now know that Ms. Shin has altered her LinkedIn, BCIT and BCNDP websites once she was asked about her credentials,” says BC Liberal candidate Ken Kramer. “It is clear that Ms. Shin has not been up front about her education and her experience, which seems to be changing daily."

“It is clear that the NDP is desperately trying to save Ms. Shin’s candidacy by hiding her from the media and refusing to account for her changing credentials.”

Jane Shin and the NDP must now come clean with the voters of Burnaby-Lougheed and at the very least answer the following three questions:

Why does the Vankoreans magazine claim that she, “earned a doctorate at UBC in genetics and cell biology,” when in fact she has never graduated from UBC?

Why did her pre-edited BCIT biography claim she acquired a, “diverse set of skills and insights through her work as a physician,” when it is now clear that she has never actually practiced as a medical doctor?

Why did she tell an interviewer that she had attended the University of Florida for her medical school training when in fact she attended a Caribbean medical school whose graduates are banned from licensure in California and Texas due to the inadequacy of training and facilities at the school?

“How can voters in Burnaby-Lougheed trust that Ms. Shin would appropriately represent them if they can’t even trust what she is saying about her own biography?”, concluded Kramer.

Click here to download attachment.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

April 30, 2013

As you gather in Prince George, I want to thank you and your municipal colleagues from around British Columbia.

The dedication and commitment that local government officials make to improving their communities strengthens us as a province.

I’m very proud of our team of candidates in this election. We have four current mayors and 10 councillors, along with six former mayors and eight former councillors, who are running to ensure B.C. stays on the right track. Along with five former school trustees, more than one-third of our team has direct local government experience.

They know the future of B.C. communities relies on us controlling spending and growing the economy. The perspective they bring from having been on the frontlines means the health and needs of local government remains in the forefront of all government does.

As a government, we've worked hard to create a strong relationship with municipalities; to create partnerships that build up communities.

Today’s BC Liberals believe that when you have a thriving private sector that creates well-paying, family-supporting jobs, parents are able to raise strong families, which in turn creates strong communities.

We believe that communities should benefit from the proceeds of gaming in this province, which is why one of my first acts as premier was to increase the level of support to communities through gaming grants.

Since 2001, we have provided $3 billion in new funding to local governments – combined with federal resources, which is more than $5 billion in new money to local governments in B.C.

We return 100 per cent of all traffic fine revenue. Including the payments to be made in 2013/14, we have returned more than $616 million in traffic fine revenues to communities since 2001, including more than $60 million in the last year.

Average annual small community grants under the NDP were just $21 million dollars. We doubled Small Community and regional district grants over four years – from $27 million in 2005 to $54 million in 2009. Since 2004, including payments to be made in 2013/14, $469 million has been provided to local governments.

At UBCM in 2001, we committed $30 million for 98 Community Recreation Program projects throughout the province that aim to make communities healthier and more active places in which to live.

But there is more we can do together.

In recognition of the critical role rural British Columbia plays in generating wealth and economic opportunity for the province, we will commence revenue sharing discussions with rural resource communities, especially those in Northwest B.C. to help them prepare for future growth.

We are continuing to make major investments in road infrastructure – around the province from four-laning the Trans-Canada to investments in the Lower Mainland.

As you finish your discussions on key policy issues and identify ‘next steps’ I want you to know that I and Bill Bennett, the minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, look forward to meeting with you and continuing our partnership.

Sincerely,

Premier Christy Clark

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party
News Release

April 30, 2013

Cranbrook – Today, Premier Christy Clark met with workers at Fab-Rite Services Ltd. in Cranbrook today, a company whose success depends on the forestry, mining, and oil and gas industries – all under threat by the NDP.

“A strong economy demands strong leadership,” said Premier Clark. “It’s crystal clear from last night’s debate that Adrian Dix’s plan is to say ‘no’ to economic opportunity and say ‘yes’ to out-of-control spending that would raise taxes for families. Weak leadership means a weak economy.”

Fab-Rite, a family-owned business, provides steel structures and services to resource and construction industries and is an example of thousands of B.C. companies that depend on a healthy resource economy.

"This company and the communities I serve need resource industries to thrive," said Bill Bennett, MLA and Today’s BC Liberals candidate for Kootenay East. “The NDP put the brakes on East Kootenay’s economy in the 1990s. A vote for the NDP here is a vote for jobs in Alberta, not B.C."

After concealing his party’s position on Kinder Morgan for months, Adrian Dix announced last week he’d kill the project without any due process. Yesterday they were all over the map again, this time on a two year natural gas moratorium that would stop growth and jobs in their tracks.

“B.C. is standing strong in the face of global economic risk. Our jobs plan is driving growth, and controlling spending is protecting the economy with a balanced budget,” said Premier Clark. “NDP flip-flopping on the economy and their $3 billion borrow, tax and spend playbook is dangerous for the economy and would leave families vulnerable when they can least afford it.”

The NDP plan to spend $3 billion and have no plan to pay for it. Only Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt-Free B.C.

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For more information:
Sam Oliphant
BC Liberal Party
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

April 29, 2013

Vancouver – Today, audio from an all-candidate’s meeting confirms the NDP’s plan for a two-year moratorium on natural gas development, which effectively will kill the industry.

The NDP candidate in Cariboo-Chilcotin , a former MLA, pulled no punches in outlining the NDP’s plans when it comes to recovering natural gas.

"The position of the NDP is that there will be a moratorium put on frac’ing for the next two years while the science will be brought together to find out the effect, if anything, that frac’ing has on the water table," Charlie Wyse told an all-candidates meeting on Friday in Bridge Lake.

"This is what happens when you don't have a fully-costed platform and you tell British Columbians the answers are coming after the election," says Energy Minister Rich Coleman. "Adrian Dix says he supports the industry, but it’s clear that his policy will deliver a body blow. If his position is so clear, how can his candidates continue to be so confused?"

Coleman notes NDP energy critic John Horgan has refused to rule out a moratorium and on the weekend gave conflicting comments to Province columnist Mike Smyth as to whether his party has already written the terms of reference for their planned review (see backgrounder).

"Adrian Dix needs to be honest about what he's going to do. A moratorium will kill an industry that is helping to drive the B.C. economy," says Coleman. "It's time to drop the act and tell British Columbians exactly what they plan to do, instead of worrying about the Green Party.”

"This election is a stark choice for British Columbians - they can choose a premier in Christy Clark who is going to grow the economy or Adrian Dix who is going to say no to growing the economy."

Pat Pimm, Today’s BC Liberal candidate in Peace River North, notes the natural gas industry currently provides hundreds of millions in revenue for the provincial government which would be lost with a moratorium. “Natural gas is a key part of our local economy and hundreds of families rely on a paycheque from the industry,” he says. “Voters deserve to know now, not after the election, what Adrian Dix really plans to do with a sector that is so important to the Peace and the province.”

Only Premier Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt Free BC.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder: The Facts on the NDP Record

The NDP’s fiscal plan includes nearly $1.5 billion in new taxes on job creators, including a new $100 million natural gas tax:

“You’ve got an industry that’s crippled and you are throwing darts at them. You are putting pins in their back. They will start moving capital elsewhere. Any suggestion that you are going to do something negative to them is committing economic suicide.” – Bill Gwozd, senior vice-president of gas services at Ziff Energy, Vancouver Sun, Apr 12/13

Adrian Dix and the NDP say they would have a moratorium on fracturing:

“I wouldn't rule it out if the evidence is we need to do that [a moratorium]. But I haven't seen that evidence yet, and that's why we need to have a scientific assessment.” – John Horgan, The Province, Oct 21/12

“The review comes first, and if it identifies risk from fracking activity that's not known now, then he [Horgan] is correct.” – Rob Fleming, The Province, Oct 21/12

The NDP revealed they are already drafting the terms of reference for their “review”:

“We started to draft the terms of reference.” – John Horgan, The Province, Apr 28/13

But quickly retracted

“I misspoke. We haven't written it down. We've knocked around some ideas about what it would look like. But they're just musings. I can't send you a piece of paper.” – John Horgan, The Province, Apr 28/13

DOWNLOAD THE AUDIO CLIP

Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

April 28, 2013

Vancouver - Over the past several days, a number of biographies of NDP candidate Jane Shin have been significantly altered, calling into question whether or not she has been truthful about her education and work experience.

In an April 4th interview with blogger jonleeblog.blogspot.ca, NDP candidate Jane Shin claims to be a medical doctor who attended the University of Florida. An article in the Korea Times stated she graduated from UBC medical school.

However, Dr. Shin’s BCIT page on April 25th was silent on where she actually attended medical school. It did however list a number of schools that she claimed to have “trained at” including Oxford University.

Her BCIT biography has been altered and no longer mentions that she studied at Oxford.

Jane Shin’s NDP website on April 28th now states that she attended the private, for-profit, Spartan Health Sciences University in St. Lucia in the Caribbean. Interestingly, graduates from that university are prohibited from applying for licensure in California, Kansas, Texas, North Dakota and Indiana. In the United Kingdom, students from SHSU who began their studies on or before December 31, 2008 are ineligible for licensure.

On October 12, 2012, the BCNDP issued a press release announcing Jane Shin as their candidate in Burnaby-Lougheed stating that she is a “physician by training.”

On the Vancouver Community College Faculty Association website, Dr. Shin is described as an instructor in “our CF-Department.” The site says, “She is also an M.D. and has practiced medicineprior to deciding that teaching was her true calling.”

In an article submitted to the Indo-Canadian Voice and published on March 26^, 2013, Jane Shin writes, “I am a trained medical doctor and am currently teaching in the health care sector at British Columbia Institute of Technology and Vancouver Community College.”

On Jane Shin’s LinkedIn page, it shows that her term at BCIT ended in April 2012, nearly a full year before she wrote that she was “currently teaching” at BCIT.

Before: April 24th, her BCIT biography claimed that “Dr. Shin has acquired a diverse set of skills and insights through her work as a physician, business consultant…”

After: On April 26th, her BCIT biography was altered to say, “Dr. Shin acquired a diverse set of skills and insights through her medical training and work as a business consultant…”

Before: On April 24th, her BCIT biography stated that she studied at UBC, “before receiving her Medical Doctorate.”

After: On April 26th, her BCIT biography was altered to state that she studied at UBC, “before receiving her medical degree from Spartan Health Sciences University in St. Lucia.”

Before: On April 24th, she signed her NDP website welcome page as “Jane Shin, MD.”

After: On April 26th, her new NDP welcome page was altered and now is signed as “Dr. Jane Shin.”

Before: The About Jane Shin page on the BCNDP website claimed “Dr. Shin has combined her passion for medicine with her passion for academic development and currently teaches in the life sciences field at BCIT and VCC.”

After: On April 26th, the About Jane Shin page on the BCNDP website was altered and now states, “Jane continues to exercise her passion for education by teaching students in the health care sector at British Columbia Institute of Technology and Vancouver Community College.”

Before: On April 24th, her LinkedIn page made no mention of where she did medical training.

After: On April 26th, her LinkedIn page was changed and now says that she received a medical doctorate from Spartan Health Sciences University in St. Lucia and did:

• “clinical Rotations and Research at Leeds University, University of Sheffield, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Edinburgh, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County.”

Jane Shin needs to clear the air on the following questions:

1. Why did she tell the Korean Times that she graduated from the University of BC medical school when she actually attended the Spartan Health Sciences University?

2. Why did she tell blogger Jon Lee that she attended the University of Florida?

3. Why did Jane Shin not mention that she attended Spartan Health Sciences University when asked about her medical training?

4. Why did her BCIT web page state that she had worked as a physician when that was not true? If it is true, why was it changed?

5. Why did the NDP claim that Dr. Shin was a “physician by training” in their October 14 press release that announced her candidacy?

6. Which schools did she actually attend? Did she attend Oxford? Why have the BCIT and BCNDP websites been altered to remove Oxford?

7. Why did Jane Shin change her signature block from Jane Shin, MD to Dr. Jane Shin?

8. Jane Shin’s longest period of employment is with the West Coast School of Massage Therapy where her credentials state that she is an MD. Why does her BCNDP website omit her experience at this private, for-profit school of massage therapy and why does this website call her an MD, when she now is removing those letters from behind her name?

Jane Shin appears to have misled people about her credentials, her educational experience, her work experience and her experience as a “physician.”

Before her candidacy can continue, Jane Shin needs to account for what she said to reporters about her education, her changing biographies with respect to where she studied, and the references to her having either been a physician or trained as a medical doctor.

If she can not or will not answer these questions, she must resign as the NDP candidate in Burnaby-Lougheed.

Click here to download the backgrounder.

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

April 28, 2013

Vancouver – With tax deadline day quickly approaching, Premier Christy Clark visited the Liu family in Vancouver to talk about controlling spending and holding the line on taxes.

“Families like the Lius work hard,” said Premier Clark. “Because we are controlling spending, we can freeze personal taxes and the carbon tax for five years.”

Today, a family of four earning $90,000 pays $3,161 in personal provincial income taxes, a 47 per cent decrease from 2001. British Columbians earning up to $122,000 pay the lowest personal provincial income taxes in Canada. In the 1990s, the NDP brought in eight consecutive deficit budgets, $7.8 billion in overspending that led to 70 tax and fee increases.

“Families need stability but the NDP introduces uncertainty,” said the Premier. “A strong economy requires a strong leader to control government spending. Weak leadership and $3 billion in out-of-control spending is a danger to our economy. Families cannot afford to pay the price of unpredictable NDP taxes.”

Only Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to control spending and grow the economy to get to a Debt-Free B.C.

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Click here to download the income tax comparison attachment

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

April 25, 2013

VANCOUVER – Speaking to the Women’s Executive Network today, Premier Christy Clark detailed how controlling spending and eliminating B.C.’s debt is the strongest way to protect the values we all share.

“There are core values our parents taught us like caring for those who cared for us and making sure the next generation can do better than us,” said Premier Clark. “Protecting these values requires a strong economy protected by controlling spending. It means taking action today to give our kids the opportunity to live in a Debt-Free B.C.”

Today’s BC Liberals plan to control spending secures further investments in health care, education and social programs that British Columbians rely on. In the 1990’s, B.C. experienced eight consecutive deficit budgets and $7.8 billion in over spending. Paying for it meant 70 new taxes and fee increases.

Premier Christy Clark also announced Today’s BC Liberals will create a new Premier’s Women’s Economic Advisory Council. This council will provide feedback on how government can accelerate women’s business opportunities. Today more than 37% of self-employed British Columbians are women, the second highest number of female small business owners in Canada.

“At a time when families are challenged by household debt accumulated during the recession, they simply can’t afford unpredictable tax increases,” said Premier Clark. “Because we are controlling spending, we can give families a break and make life more affordable by freezing personal taxes, lowering small business taxes by 40 per cent and taking the corporate tax rate down a point to make life.”

During her visit, Premier Clark posed a clear choice: Do we move forward to a Debt-Free B.C. or do we go backwards to out of control spending and a Debt-Ridden B.C.?

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Backgrounder to follow.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder 1: Controlling spending secures tomorrow for our children

The Premier highlighted Strong Economy. Secure Tomorrow commitments that control spending and make life affordable for families:

Eliminating debt:

• Committing 50 per cent of surpluses to debt elimination.
• Dedicating all revenues from the Prosperity Fund towards debt until it is paid off.

Controlling spending:

• capping government spending below the rate that our economy is growing.
• strengthening the Balanced Budget legislation.

Growing the economy:

• Lowering small business taxes by 40%.
• Taking the corporate tax rate down a point.

Making life more affordable for families

• freezing personal taxes and the carbon tax.

Women and business in B.C.:

• Today’s BC Liberals committed in Strong Economy. Secure Tomorrow to create a new Premier’s Women’s Economic Advisory Council. This council will provide feedback on how government can accelerate women’s business opportunities.
• Today more than 37% of self-employed British Columbians are women, the second highest number of female small business owners in the country.
• Today’s BC Liberals have invested $100,000 with the Women’s Enterprise Centre to encourage new women entrepreneurs in the province.
• In partnership with the BC Chamber of Commerce, Today’s BC Liberals launched the Micro-Business Training program.

Small business in B.C. facts:

• Under Today’s BC Liberals, B.C. received Canada’s only “A” grade by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business because we’ve cut red tape.
• Across B.C., small businesses keep more than a million people working.
• Small businesses drive almost 55 per cent of B.C. exports and represent 98 per cent of all our business.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party
News Release

April 25, 2013

Penticton – Despite NDP leader Adrian Dix’s commitment in March to “make room” in the budget to redevelop Penticton’s hospital, the NDP’s election platform has scuttled Dix’s promise, says Dan Ashton, BC Liberal candidate for Penticton.

On page 55 of their platform, the NDP states, “An NDP government will continue with projects that are currently underway,” but goes on to say that they “…will not be making capital commitments beyond what is available in the current capital plan.”

“The truth is out now!” said Ashton. “Mr. Dix says one thing when he visits Penticton, but when he announces his platform in Victoria his commitment to redevelop our hospital evaporates. Because of out of control spending promises, the NDP will not have the money to rebuild the hospital.

When asked about redevloping Penticton hospital in March, Dix told Castanet that, “We've got to work the process now and we've got to get on with it,” and that “(the hospital is) nowhere in the budget and nowhere in the plans, so we're going to have to make room for that.”

In March, Premier Christy Clark announced that a BC Liberal government was moving ahead with plans for a new patient care tower at Penticton Regional Hospital by proceeding with a business case for redevelopment.

“As mayor of Penticton and chair of the regional district, I’ve been working non-stop to get the new patient tower built. As an MLA I will make sure the hospital’s business case is completed and construction start as soon as possible. We all know that redeveloping our hospital is the number one priority for our region and a BC Liberal government recognizes this. With the release of the NDP platform, the NDP have abandoned the people from the South Okanagan,” added Ashton.

This business case is expected to be completed by the end of the year or early 2014. Following approval of this business case, the procurement process for the construction of the new tower would commence.

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Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party
News Release

April 25, 2013

Vancouver – One day after Adrian Dix slammed the door shut on Kinder Morgan's pipeline application, the NDP came up with another Kinder surprise and said they will support a pipeline – with the jobs going south of the border.

"The NDP first came up with the Alberta Jobs Plan and now they have a companion document, the Washington State Jobs Plan," says Environment Minister Terry Lake. "This is what happens when you make policy up on the fly and drop your principles under pressure - you flail around and have no coherent plan to grow the economy."

Lake was responding to comments from NDP energy critic John Horgan, who told Black Press that the expansion might be okay if the oil was delivered to facilities in Washington State or went out of Deltaport.

“The NDP made a political calculation to change its long-standing position of waiting for an application because they were feeling the heat,” says Lake. “So in typical NDP fashion they make a promise and then when you look at the details, the promise is really not what it seems. The NDP must take a clear, consistent position and be honest with British Columbians.

“Premier Christy Clark has been clear that any heavy oil pipeline must meet our five conditions before it can proceed. Companies know what the rules are and that they’re not changing.”

Within one week, the NDP said as a ‘matter of principle’ they would wait for the Kinder Morgan application, then slammed the door shut on the proposal and have now said there is backdoor route for the pipeline to be built.

The Black Press story can be found here http://www.surreyleader.com/news/204581501.html

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Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

April 25, 2013

By Hon. Stockwell Day

Balancing a budget and controlling spending takes discipline, determination, and real leadership.

I know about this from first-hand experience. I did that in the Alberta government, as Treasurer. It was also the task I faced in the federal government as President of the Treasury Board.

Most British Columbians are fiscal conservatives – they want government to keep taxes low, invest their hard-earned tax dollars wisely, and not burden future generations with debt.

In this election, I’m supporting Premier Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals because it continues to be their goal to keep the BC economy strong. In fact, they are the only party committed to fiscal discipline.

It’s not surprising that the NDP plan to return to their failed approach of the 1990s: higher taxes, bigger government, and more deficits. It's how they do budgets.

John Cummins and the BC Conservatives propose to increase government spending by an astonishing $13.5 billion, or more than 30 per cent over 5 years.

Mr. Cummins is projecting that government revenues will rise by nearly double. No well-respected economic estimates support this zealous speculation. His plan is simply unsustainable.

The BC Conservatives will make promises to cut taxes on one hand, while significantly increasing spending on the other. The math simply does not add up.

The fact that theirs is not a fiscally conservative budget should probably not be a surprise. They have no connection to the federal Conservatives – they are an entirely separate party.

This election is between Premier Christy Clark’s plan for a strong economy and secure tomorrow, or Adrian Dix and the NDP’s plan to boost taxes, hike spending, and rack up debt – one deficit at a time.

That’s the choice, pure and simple.

If you don’t want the borrow, tax, and spend policies of the NDP, I also respectfully ask that you consider the consequences of a vote for John Cummins and the BC Conservatives. It may actually result in a pathway to the NDP forming the next government.

Let’s not wake up on May 15^th and regret the outcome. Let's stay with what keeps BC working – the BC Liberals.

Victoria - Today's BC Liberal candidates Ida Chong (Oak Bay-Gordon Head) and Christina Bates (Victoria-Swan Lake) have unveiled the latest NDP Spend-o-Meter at the Save-on Memorial Centre in Victoria today.

With the latest tally of NDP spending promises now over $3 billion, Adrian Dix is trying to change the channel on his out-of-control spending spree.

"Adrian Dix keeps adding more and more spending promises each day without a plan to pay for it," said Ida Chong. "This type of spending spree is exactly what ruined British Columbia's economy during the 1990s. The NDP drove up spending, ran eight consecutive deficits, and made BC a have-not province for the first time ever."

Victoria-Swan Lake candidate Christina Bates says that Adrian Dix and the NDP need to come clean and start accounting for the full cost of their overspending plans.

"Today's BC Liberals have a 94 page platform that controls spending, invests in important priorities like skills training, but most importantly, includes a fully costed plan," added Bates. "The NDP are making dangerous commitments without an actual plan to pay for them - they are making it up as they go along while British Columbia's economy hangs in the balance."

"We don't know the full extent of the reckless spending the NDP have planned, and given the conflicting comments coming from their candidates, I'm not sure even they know how far they'll go," said Chong. "This is what happens when you don't have a fully costed platform."

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Media Contact:

Vancouver - Adrian Dix adding another $215 million to his $2.8 billion reckless spending spree means he has now committed in excess of $3 billion without providing a fiscal plan.

“A reckless $3 billion spending spree is not what the economy needs right now,” says Finance Minister Mike de Jong. “The NDP is trying to burn out the lights on every Spend-o-Meter in the province.”

De Jong notes it is impossible to say what the NDP would actually spend on any ministry in government because the NDP has not outlined an actual budget – in fact, the NDP makes no commitment in its document to balance the budget.

“Today, Adrian Dix refused to say how much money he would spend on forestry, agriculture or health care and has no commitment to either controlled spending or a balanced budget,” says de Jong. “I’ve never seen a platform that is so totally bereft of information. It’s neither comprehensive nor costed, but it is full of out of control and reckless spending promises.”

The NDP’s so-called platform was released today and was notable for both what it included and did not include:

• $3 billion in announced spending;
• No fiscal plan: we have no idea what the NDP will spend on any ministry in government because they have not provided an actual fiscal plan;
• A commitment to fund only those infrastructure projects that are currently underway—putting projects across the province at risk, such as the Penticton Hospital re-development project;
• No mention of the carbon tax cuts provided to Greenhouse Growers and farmers across British Columbia;
• A tax on every credit union member’s holdings in the province; and
• Confirmation of their decision to take $1,200 away from every child six and under in B.C.

“No wonder the NDP was hiding their platform from voters," said de Jong. “Thirty-two of 68 pages have no text, as they are title pages and photos of Adrian Dix. It’s pretty pathetic when Adrian Dix has had two years to put together their platform and nearly half of his platform document has no text."

“We now all know why Adrian Dix refuses to debate Premier Clark one-on-one,” said de Jong. “He doesn’t want to be accountable for his uncosted and unaffordable campaign spending spree.”

Media Contact:

Sicamous – Premier Christy Clark visited TA Structures in Sicamous to speak about how natural gas is strengthening our economy and securing tomorrow with the spin-off economic activity and jobs it creates, while putting us on the path to becoming a Debt-Free B.C.

“When we cut red tape and get resource projects going, as we have with mining and natural gas, businesses like TA structures can thrive,” said Premier Christy Clark. “Look what that has meant for this community. Despite struggling during the recession, TA Structures is now the largest private sector employer in Sicamous again. That’s the power of our resources – the spin off jobs create spin off jobs.”

TA Structures builds modular housing units for resource industry workers. Their success is reliant on growth in our resource industries – just like so many other businesses and communities across BC.

The Premier outlined her platform commitments to support businesses like TA Structures, including creating a Ministry for Natural Gas Development, streamlining the mining application process, lowering the corporate tax rate and cutting the small business tax by 40 per cent. The Premier also warned how all this economic activity is at risk with the NDP’s out of control spending and new taxes that would kill resource opportunities – such as the new natural gas tax they are proposing.

For more information:

Attachment: Leonard Krog Screen Cap

April 23, 2013

VANCOUVER—With his latest election campaign spending spree, Adrian Dix is running one of the most expensive election campaigns in history and certainly the most expensive without a fully-costed platform being released.

“Adrian Dix is now the $2.8 Billion Man and that sure isn’t a nickname to be proud of,” says B.C. Health Minister Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid. “As the Spend-O-Meter keeps climbing higher, Dix becomes more vague on policy details and how he’d actually pay for all his promises. At a time when we should be watching our pennies, Adrian Dix is recklessly writing cheques that British Columbia simply can’t afford to cash.”

This morning, Adrian Dix announced another $240 million in spending on health care with virtually no details provided. Despite NDP candidate Lana Popham stating the platform was to be fully released yesterday, Adrian Dix continues to make promises – albeit without his trademark PowerPoint backgrounders.

MacDiarmid noted that Adrian Dix and NDP candidates from around the province committed to release a fully-costed election platform before the start of the campaign.

“Adrian Dix and the NDP are proving that leopards cannot change their spots,” says MacDiarmid. “They are running a cynical election campaign saying they would put out a fully-costed platform before the election, and then dragging their commitments out in some form of electoral-water-torture.

“The choice for British Columbia voters is becoming clearer by the day. You can choose controlled government spending under Premier Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals, or reckless out-of-control spending by Adrian Dix and the same old, NDP,” MacDiarmid added.

In Balanced Budget 2013, the BC Liberal government committed a further $2.4 billion to the health care system.

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Media contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

BC Liberal Party

April 23, 2013

VANCOUVER—For months, NDP Leader Adrian Dix and his caucus have avoided taking a position on the Kinder Morgan pipeline proposal as it was a matter of ‘principle’ that they wouldn’t make comment on an a project before an application was made.

However, on January 31st, at the same time the NDP was continuing to claim that they were not going to pre-judge the proposal, NDP Energy Critic John Horgan reportedly said that, “Kinder Morgan would not happen but they would follow due process and let them apply.”

Yesterday, Adrian Dix made it clear that the “principle” of waiting for an application before passing judgement was a sham, and the NDP had made up their minds all along on this project.

“It is clear from the comments made by John Horgan, which now have been confirmed by Adrian Dix, that the NDP were hiding their true position on Kinder Morgan,” said Energy Minister Rich Coleman. “I am calling on Adrian Dix to come clean and tell British Columbians when he passed judgement on this proposal. How many times did he and his caucus say they were standing on “principle” when the very opposite was true?”

Coleman noted that projects around the province have been promised that they would get a fair hearing from the NDP, because their “principles” precluded them from taking a position in advance of an environmental assessment hearing. As an example, the NDP has promised to review natural gas extraction before they would green light the proposed LNG projects in northwest British Columbia.

“It’s clear that the NDP has no principles whatsoever when it comes to environmental assessment,” said Coleman. “It’s clear that they are going to kill the LNG projects next. Why would you bother proposing projects in BC when it is clear that time and time again, Adrian Dix says one thing and does another. You can’t trust them. They are the same old, NDP.”

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder: John Horgan Comments

On January 31st, NDP Energy Critic John Horgan attended a ‘question and answer period’ where he made a number of statements concerning the environment that were reported by a former CTV News employee, Jesse Mason, now a UBC Graduate student in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric sciences.

In the wide ranging discussion on energy and environmental matters, Horgan is reported as having made the following statements:

“(Horgan) thought the call to clean power was the worst idea ever. He disagreed with it in reality, and would like to increase the amount of cheap coal generated power from Alta as opposed to IPP power.”

“(Horgan) said Kinder Morgan would not happen but they would follow due process and let them apply.”

“(Horgan was) wishy washy on site C but they would entertain the idea under different economical times but not now.” (sic)

“Someone asked if we should include LNG exports in our carbon foot print and (Horgan) said only if we get to include our forests as a sink.”

“If they did go ahead with all the new LNG mines they would blow out their stated commitment to stay below x amount of GHG's. So (the NDP) will decide what to do when that time comes.”

Vancouver – After two years of holding to a "matter of principle" on the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline, Adrian Dix jettisoned it today in the name of politics.

"Every time he was asked, Adrian Dix said he wanted to wait till Kinder Morgan had applied before offering a position," says Energy Minister Rich Coleman. "Then out of the blue, under pressure, he abandons the principle he clung to for two years. That's not leadership, that's crumbling at the first sign of pressure."

It was only 11 days ago that Dix told Vaughn Palmer on Voice of BC, "I think as a matter of principle, you should actually see what the application is before you address it."

There is no application and Dix is refusing to explain why the sudden change of heart.

"Premier Christy Clark has been consistent on heavy oil pipelines – they must meet our five conditions before we will support them," says Coleman. "The message Adrian Dix and the NDP are sending is a strong one: we can't be trusted to stand by our principles. Businesses deserve clarity on what the rules are and not having them constantly shift around the NDP."

The announcement was not part of the NDP's environmental outline presented today but was urgently dropped into the event.

"Adrian Dix said the business community could trust him, that he was going to do politics differently," says Coleman. "Today proves the NDP haven't changed at all, that politics comes before principle."

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April 22, 2013

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE A FULLY COSTED PLATFORM
YOU END UP NOT HAVING A CLUE

VANCOUVER—This morning during an all-candidates meeting in Victoria, NDP candidate and Agriculture Critic Lana Popham appeared confused and in the dark about her leader’s PowerPoint Platform™ rollout and the total cost of the NDP’s so-called platform.

A listener posed the question, “when can we expect Adrian to release a fully-costed platform?”

She replied:

“A fully costed platform?”

“The, uh, I think the final part of our platform comes out today and is rolling out right now as we’re on air. Uh, what we did, we released how we would generate revenue, and then we’ve been telling people how, what we’re going to do with that revenue, so, uh, I think it is a very comprehensive plan.”

Later in the interview Popham says:

“The final part of it is being released today…we’ve broken it down into sections and today is the environment section.”

Later Popham confirms:

“Today will be our final rollout,” and “It will all be released today.”

Under questioning from host Stephen Andrew on the cost of the NDP platform, Lana Popham said:

“I don’t know the exact number of that.”

Andrew gave her another shot at costing the NDP platform, excluding the $120 million in new spending announced by Adrian Dix this morning:

“I don’t have those numbers.”

“Lana Popham has added a ton of confusion onto the cynical PowerPoint Platform™ rollout by Adrian Dix and the NDP,” said Bill Bennett, Today’s BC Liberal Platform Co-chair. “Adrian Dix promised to release a fully costed election platform before the campaign started. Instead he has dumped out a series of PowerPoint slides and called them a platform.”

“If Lana Popham is right, Adrian Dix has rolled out his entire platform and has forgotten to include health care, labour policy, a fully-costed fiscal plan, transportation, infrastructure, mining, and justice to name but a few missing government ministries,” said Bennett. “And for her not to have a clue on the total cost of the PowerPoint Platform shows that Adrian Dix is not only keeping the cost of his reckless and out-of-control spending spree from the public, but his own candidates, too.”

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Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Vancouver – Premier Christy Clark visited Saltworks Technologies Inc. today to celebrate Earth Day and speak about how B.C.’s clean technology businesses are strengthening our economy, while securing tomorrow by creating jobs, protecting our environment, and driving us forward to a Debt-Free BC.

“Saltworks is just one of the companies that has helped B.C. create the third largest clean tech sector in the world,” said Premier Clark. “Tech companies choose to develop their ideas here because we’re controlling spending, cutting red tape, holding the line on taxes, and getting out of the way when we can.”

The Premier also contrasted Today’s BC Liberals’ approach to supporting the clean tech industry against the NDP’s. “The NDP would stifle the kind of innovation you see here today,” said Premier Clark. “To attract the investment businesses need to grow from technology start-ups to technology giants, they need investors to be confident in B.C.’s economy. They need a government that won’t intimidate the business community, like the NDP did this week with their shakedown of donors.”

The Premier ended her speech by posing a choice she said will define our generation: controlling spending to leave a Debt-Free BC for our kids, or allowing out of control spending to take us back to a Debt-Ridden BC.

Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder: Saltworks Technologies and the B.C. Jobs Plan

Saltworks is a great example of the kind of world-leading technology businesses that are strengthening B.C.’s economy. That’s why they were named one of the Global Cleantech 100.

Their innovative water treatment technologies help solve complicated problems and save businesses money, while securing tomorrow by protecting our environment. They’re working with everyone from NASA – who wants to send their technology to space – to energy companies here in Canada and around the world.

“Here at Saltworks we’ve accessed a number of programs to grow our business through the B.C. Jobs Plan,” said Joshua Zoshi, president of Saltworks Technologies. “We’ve received tax credits for new investments, and we’ve been able to grow our staff and attract bright young minds to our business. B.C. is a great place to start up and grow a business, so we need to keep our province on the right track.”

Saltworks has accessed the following BC Jobs Plan programs:

Eligible Business Corporation Tax Credit

• Venture capital program that allows a small businesses to accept equity capital directly from investors without having to set up a venture capital corporation.
• Up to $60,000 in tax credits in one year for an individual.
• Ideal for investors planning to be actively involved in the growth of a business.

Get Youth Working

• Employers get a $2,800 hiring incentive.
• Up to 3 employees at $2,800 each.
• For eligible youth 15 to 29 years of age.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

• Accelerates Permanent Resident application process for skilled and/or experienced workers, experienced businesspersons and their family members who want to settle in B.C. permanently.
• Today's BC Liberals committed to work with the federal government to expand the program and encourage the world’s best and brightest technology minds to relocate to British Columbia.

The Premier also outlined commitments from the Strong Economy. Secure Tomorrow. platform that would help technology businesses in B.C. continue to thrive, including:

• Further expanding the Small Business Venture Capital Program that helps technology start-ups get off the ground, hire new workers and grow their business.
• Working with the B.C. Technology Industry Association to get the federal government to adopt the same program, to double the tax credits available to technology entrepreneurs.
• Giving small business owners a 40% tax cut by lowering the small business tax rate from 2.5% to 1.5% no later than the 2017/18 fiscal year, with at least a 0.5% reduction in 2015/16.
• Expanding the Training Tax Credit to include co-op and intern placements in small technology firms.

The Strong Economy. Secure Tomorrow. platform also includes new measures to protect B.C.’s environment, including:

• Consulting on the Water Sustainability Act in 2013 with the intention of passing this legislation in 2014. The Act will protect B.C. aquifers and drinking water resources while providing industry with a framework under which drinking water allocations are made.
• A Today’s B.C. Liberals government will work with communities, First Nations and industry to examine the feasibility of developing a provincially designated protected area in the Klappan.
• Today’s B.C. Liberals will establish a provincial round table of representatives from communities, industry, labour, First Nations and the environmental community to provide guidance to government on how to balance the need to protect important parts of the environment with the need to create jobs and wealth for the province.
• Direct all revenues from fishing licences to be provided to the Freshwater Fisheries Society for conservation activities ($2.4 million), by 2015/16.

Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

April 19, 2013

VANCOUVER – With his latest PowerPoint Platform announcement, Adrian Dix has surpassed the $2 billion dollar mark in reckless campaign spending promises.

“In one fell swoop, Adrian Dix has spent another $558 million dollars on his uncosted, undetailed PowerPoint Platform,” says Today’s BC Liberals candidate Moira Stilwell. “Don’t be fooled. A $2 billion man is no superhero – he is a super villain to everyone who wants to keep spending under control in British Columbia.”

Adrian Dix announced his social platform this morning which added another $558 million to his reckless and out of control spending promises. Instead of releasing his platform, he released another PowerPoint with virtually no details of what they would do if elected.

“The difference between our two parties has never been more clear,” said Stilwell. “Today’s BC Liberals have a plan to control government spending and grow the economy while Adrian Dix, wants to spend money faster than Usain Bolt runs the 100 metre dash."

Stilwell noted that as recently as February 24th, on Global TV NDP House Leader John Horgan promised that “the platform’s coming before the election.”

“Where is their platform?” asks Stilwell. “We are days into the campaign and all we have seen from them is a raft of spending promises concocted on the back on an envelope and transcribed onto PowerPoint slides. It’s time for the $2 billion dollar man to show some respect for B.C. voters and release his full costed platform so they know how the NDP plans to pay for his reckless and out of control spending spree.”


Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

Ladysmith – Amanda Jacobson, a licensed mortgage agent from Ladysmith, has been named Today’s BC Liberals candidate in Nanaimo-North Cowichan in the May 14 provincial election.

“I’m looking forward to playing my part on Christy Clark’s team, and offering the voters of Nanaimo-North Cowichan a future of sensible, balanced budgets,” said Jacobson. “I feel that a government supportive of free enterprise is the best way to ensure that our children continue to have access to the services I am grateful for, such as education and healthcare, without being saddled with mountains of debt.”

A Vancouver Island native, Jacobson, 32, attended the University of Alberta (political science, sociology and art history). She worked with a bankruptcy trustee, in law firms, and in the newsroom of The Edmonton Journal as a proofreader. She returned to Vancouver Island in 2008, and in 2011 completed the mortgage-broker licensing program at the UBC Sauder School of Business.

“We all know what the NDP means: reckless spending – they’ve promised $2 billion in spending in just three days of campaigning. And that means more taxes, more borrowing, and bigger deficits for our children and grandchildren to pay off,” Jacobson added.

Jacobson’s selection completes the party’s slate of 85 candidates. Her official nomination meeting will be on Tuesday April 23, 5:30 p.m., at the Nanaimo-North Cowichan campaign office, 541—1st Avenue, Ladysmith.

April 19, 2013

Port Edward – Families and communities in northwest B.C. are already benefiting from Premier Christy Clark’s decisive action to secure a liquefied natural gas industry. During a tour of the new Port Edward Community school, Premier Clark saw a community thriving with hope and preparing for a future powered by natural gas.

The original Port Edward Elementary, built in 1953, had to be closed due to deteriorating conditions. In a partnership with the District of Port Edward and the Prince Rupert board of education, supported by a contribution from the B.C. government, a new Port Edward Community school at the municipal hall was opened in January, 2013.

“Communities like the one here in Port Edward are growing again and families are planning their future here,” said Premier Clark. “Now children can continue to learn in their hometown and families can stay together. This new school is what the future of liquefied natural gas looks like.”

“When this school was in trouble, it was Premier Clark who stepped in and helped us save our school,” said District of Port Edward Mayor Dave MacDonald. “The new Port Edward Community school is not only benefitting our children and families, it will also foster the growth of our community.”

Today’s BC Liberals want to grow the economy and create a Debt-Free B.C. A key part of this plan is taking advantage of our once-in-a-generation opportunity to safely recover natural gas from the northeast, liquify it in the northwest and export it to Asian markets for five times the price. Over the next 30 years, this resource has the potential to generate $1 trillion in economic activity and generate $100 billion in government revenue to be dedicated to the BC Prosperity Fund.

Producing natural gas in the northeast and turning it into liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the northwest is creating a new industry here in B.C. Here are some facts:

• Over 39,000 construction jobs and over 75,000 jobs will be created once LNG plants are operational;
• Five companies are pursing major projects in the area; and,
• Four additional proponents have expressed interest in locations at Grassy Point, near Prince Rupert.

Pacific NorthWest LNG has announced its plan to build a $9 to 11 billion facility in the District of Port Edward which will create 3,500 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs in a community with the population of 544.

“Natural gas isn’t just an opportunity to strengthen our economy, it’s an opportunity to strengthen our communities,” said Premier Clark. “Port Edward is being revitalized by the natural gas industry. But this is all at risk with the NDP. They will chase jobs to Alberta, while we are creating jobs in communities throughout B.C.”

The NDP have proposed a new tax on the natural gas industry which would drain $210 million in direct revenue from the industry over the next three years. They have not shown industry the clear positions that investors need. They oppose the development of clean-energy Site C, and are discussing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, even though B.C. is already a world leader in the responsible recovery of the resource.

Driving forward, Today’s BC Liberals will build on our progress by:

• Creating the BC Prosperity Fund to capture LNG royalty revenues and dedicate all revenues to debt reduction until the provincial debt is eliminated;
• Enacting legislation to protect the BC Prosperity Fund from becoming a ‘cash-cow’ for wasteful and desperate government spending; and,
• Once provincial debt is repaid, protect the principal accumulated in the Prosperity Fund to ensure its long-term sustainability for future generations.

During her visit, Premier Clark posed a clear choice to voters in the northwest: Do we move forward to a Debt-Free B.C., or do we go backwards to the Have-Not B.C. of the NDP 1990s.

-30-

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Backgrounder: Northwestern BC LNG activity

1. Port Edward

• Pacific Northwest LNG (Progress Energy Ltd., owned by PETRONAS)

2. Prince Rupert

• Western Canada LNG – (BG Group and Spectra Energy Natural Gas Transportation System)

3. Kitimat

• Douglas Channel Energy Project – (BC LNG Export Co-operative LLC: LNG Partners (Texas) and Haisla Nation)

• Kitimat LNG (Apache Canada Ltd. & Chevron Canada)

• LNG Canada – (Shell Canada Ltd., PetroChina Company Limited, Korea Gas Corp, Mitsubishi Corporation (KOGAS)) with TransCanada Corporation to build, design, own and operate Coastal GasLink’s 700 kilometer pipeline

4. Grassy Point

• Nexen Inc., an international upstream oil and gas company that develops energy resources in the UK North Sea, offshore West Africa, the United States and Western Canada. Joining Nexen in its submission are CNOOC, China’s largest producer of oil and gas; INPEX Corporation, a petroleum company based out of Japan; and JGC, a leading global engineering company.

• Woodside Petroleum Ltd., Australia’s largest independent oil and gas company who now operates six of the seven LNG processing trains in Australia.

• SK E&S, a multi-utility player in Northeast Asia’s gas and electricity business, based in Korea.

• Imperial Oil Resources Limited, one of Canada’s largest corporations, and ExxonMobil Canada Ltd., the largest international oil and gas company in the world.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

April 18, 2013

Prince George - Despite the NDP having written their platform on the back of a napkin, this morning British Columbians got a bit of clarity from the NDP - they do plan to use carbon tax revenue collected province-wide to fund transportation projects in the Lower Mainland.

"I really wish the NDP would release a full platform instead of transcribing their napkin scribbles onto PowerPoint slides," says Shirley Bond, Today's BC Liberal candidate in Prince George-Valemount. "The idea they would take money collected province-wide and only spend it on transportation projects in the Lower Mainland is appalling to northerners."

Speaking on CBC's Early Edition, NDP transportation critic Harry Bains said: "We have already said that we will roll back the tax breaks that the corporations received from the Carbon Tax by another per cent and we will take some of that money because this money comes from the entire province."

Mike Morris, Today's BC Liberal candidate in Prince George-Mackenzie, says the NDP should stop viewing the north as its own personal ATM.

"There is a stark and clear choice in this election - the NDP who want to pay for their reckless spending spree on the backs of northerners and Today's BC Liberals who want to control spending and grow the economy," said Morris. "Our platform is clear. We're going to freeze the carbon tax for five years and provide a break for the agricultural community."

Bond and Morris are challenging their NDP opponents to reject Adrian Dix's plan to shift even more out of the north to pay for Lower Mainland projects.

-30-

Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

Clark’s vision of a Debt-Free B.C. starts with Natural Gas development in Northeast B.C.

Dawson Creek – The booming natural gas industry is strengthening British Columbia’s economy and securing tomorrow by creating jobs, returning benefits to communities, and generating revenue for a Debt-Free B.C. During a stop at Dawson Creek Reclaimed Water Project, a partnership between Shell and the City of Dawson Creek, Premier Christy Clark saw the progress, momentum and growth in northeast BC.

“The northeast is home to B.C.’s economic opportunity of a lifetime,” said Premier Clark. “By developing natural gas in northeast BC and turning it into liquefied natural gas (LNG) in northwest BC, we can create over 39,000 construction jobs, and over 75,000 jobs once LNG plants are in operation.”

“I’m here in northeast BC today to acknowledge the important contributions this region and its people make to our economy and to commit that we will ensure local communities share in the benefits of our natural gas opportunity,” said Premier Clark. “That’s why I’m committed to extending the current revenue sharing agreement with the Peace region beyond 2020.”

Premier Clark, Peace River South candidate Mayor Mike Bernier, and former local MLA and BC Reform Party leader Jack Weisgerber toured the facility together.

“I’m proud of the people in our resource industries who continue to innovate and ensure we meet the highest environmental standards,” said Clark. “We should celebrate our resource industries, not attack them like the NDP with their job-killing policies.”

Bernier highlighted the threat posed by the NDP’s policies to the region’s economic future. A new tax on the natural gas industry proposed by Adrian Dix and the NDP would drain $210 million in direct revenue from the industry over the next three years.

“We have seen our area prosper because of the BC Jobs Plan,” said Bernier. “Here in the Peace we are right next to the Alberta border. Investment can leave quickly or not develop at all. The NDP threatens our future by creating a new natural gas tax.”

Natural gas in the Northeast will fuel BC’s LNG opportunity. Today’s BC Liberals have set a goal of at least three LNG facilities online by 2020. In just one year, $7 billion has been invested by natural gas companies to be a part of this new industry and Japan has provided $10 billion in loan guarantees to Japanese companies that are interested in B.C.

LNG is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for greater economic prosperity, but we have to move without delay. Driving forward, Today’s BC Liberals will build on our progress by:

• Enacting legislation to protect the BC Prosperity Fund from becoming a ‘cash-cow’ for wasteful and desperate government spending; and,
• Once provincial debt is repaid, protect the principal accumulated in the Prosperity Fund to ensure its long-term sustainability for future generations.

BC’s natural gas opportunity is threatened by the NDP’s hostility to business.

They have not shown industry the clear positions that investors need, oppose the development of clean-energy Site C, and are discussing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, even though B.C. is already a world leader in the responsible recovery of the resource.

During her visit, Premier Clark posed a clear choice to Dawson Creek voters: Do we move forward to a Debt-Free B.C., or do we go backwards to the Have-Not B.C. of the NDP 1990s.

Clark will be joined by Jack Weisgerber as she tours the Peace region and other northern communities this week.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Ka-Ching! Adrian Dix spends $372 million more - in one announcement!

COMOX, BC - BC Education Minister Don McRae is blasting NDP Leader Adrian Dix for making more reckless spending commitments without a shred of a plan to pay for them.

“It’s day two of the campaign, and Adrian Dix has already made close to $1.5 billion dollars in campaign promises,” said McRae. “A leopard can’t change his spots, and Adrian Dix can’t help himself from making promises with other people’s money.”

This morning, Adrian Dix released a series of PowerPoint slides where he outlined another $372 million in unaffordable and uncosted spending promises.

“The so-called NDP ‘platform’ was written on the back of a napkin and transcribed onto a series of PowerPoint slides,” said McRae. “Despite having made promise after promise to release their platform before the election, Adrian Dix is content to hide his agenda from voters. This is disrespectful to voters in the extreme.”

McRae noted that Adrian Dix re-committed to taking away the $1,200 savings grant from B.C. children to use for his own reckless spending crusade.

“It’s clear the NDP doesn’t believe in saving, they only believe in spending,” said McRae. “Parents across the province have been promised this money for their child’s education and instead Adrian Dix wants to use it to pay for his reckless campaign spending spree.”

Contact:
Ben James
BC Liberal Party
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

Media Contact:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

The math is simple. On annual ferry revenues of approximately $500 million a four per cent fare increase will generate $20 million in new revenue in the first year and $40 million in year two, due to compounding.

Last year, the independent BC Ferry Commissioner said BC Ferries had to find $26 million in savings through route changes. However, Adrian Dix announced they would prohibit these route adjustments while they undertake some form of “audit” of the corporation.

Under the current plan for Ferries, they could expect $80 million in new revenues and spending reductions. Under the NDP’s plan BC Ferries would only see $40 million in new government subsidies, leaving them $40 million worse off.

“I have news for Adrian Dix - taking $40 million out of BC Ferries is bad for those that use ferries and bad for the company,” says Polak. “This is NDP math at its finest.”

Polak notes the NDP’s announcement failed to live up to a commitment made by NDP MLA Maurine Karigianis who said that an NDP government would launch a comprehensive review of the ferry system and make it part of the provincial highway system. (Times Colonist, October 1, 2012)

“It’s time the NDP stopped playing games with voters and put out their full platform to let people know exactly which commitments they would break as government,” says Polak. “To say that the NDP platform was made up on the back of a napkin, does a disservice to all napkins currently in use in British Columbia.”

Today’s BC Liberals have committed to putting one-third of the dollars that flow into the Prosperity Fund toward elimanating the debt at BC Ferries up to $1 billion.sting the company $40 million over the next three years.

-30-

Media Contact:

Ben James
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

April 16, 2013

Vancouver – Fatima Siddiqui, marketing and communications expert and a volunteer youth-worker, has been nominated as Today’s BC Liberal candidate for the Vancouver-Hastings riding in the provincial election on May 14.

“Premier Christy Clark said it very well as she unveiled Today’s BC Liberal platform: Strong Economy, Secure Tomorrow, and a Debt-Free BC,” said Siddiqui after her nomination on Monday night.

“And that’s the choice for voters: Do we take B.C. forward under the BC Liberals, creating jobs, expanding markets, keeping taxes down, controlling spending, and balancing the budget? Or do we turn back the clock to the NDP: tax and spend, spend more, tax more, borrow more, and turn us into a have-not province again?”

Siddiqui, 32, is director of marketing and communications at a bioscience firm, Terramera, which makes a natural botanical biopesticide that kills bed bugs and their eggs. She has an MBA from Simon Fraser University, and is a board member of LOVE BC, an award-winning youth violence prevention organization. LOVE’s offices are in the Hastings constituency and she works with and for youth in the riding and across the Lower Mainland.

Says Siddiqui: “I’m absolutely with the premier: Governments should not saddle our children and grandchildren with billions of dollars in debt. At home, in our own families, we don’t go spending recklessly, maxing out credit cards, and then expect our children to pay off our debts.

“We have the opportunity now to develop a whole new industry and new jobs by exporting B.C.’s natural gas, and using the revenue to pay off the provincial debt on behalf of our children. That’s the Liberal plan.”

Siddiqui was officially nominated Monday night at the Hastings Community Centre in East Vancouver.

-30-

Media Contact:

Fatima Siddiqui

April 16, 2013

VANCOUVER—BC Liberal candidate Mary Polak says that NDP Leader Adrian Dix has failed a major test of leadership by not taking action and firing former NDP Kelowna-Mission candidate Dayleen Van Ryswyk.

This is the text of Mr. Dix statement:

“Earlier today, I was made aware of unacceptable comments made by Kelowna-Mission NDP candidate Dayleen van Ryswyk. I have accepted Ms. Van Ryswyk’s resignation.”

“The fact that Mr. Dix didn’t fire his Kelowna-Mission candidate when it was confirmed that she made unacceptable and hateful comments towards First Nations and French speaking Canadians shows that he isn’t a leader,” said Polak. “The NDP candidate should not have been allowed to resign. She should have been immediately fired.”

This morning the NDP was made aware of the following comments made by Ms. Van Ryswyk including:

“It’s not the status cards, it’s the fact that we have been paying out of the nose for generations for something that isn’t our doing. If their ancestors sold out too cheap it’s not my fault and i shouldn’t have to be paying for any mistake or whatever you want to call it from MY hard earned money.”

“It’s time our generation stopped paying for the mistakes of the past…let us all be one people…THE SAME.. race, creed colour or gender shouldn’t matter anymore in this day and age…enough is enough already.” (sic)

“Seems the only group of people universally hated around the world other than the Americans are the french and FRENCH CANADIANS…the bigots are the french and not us….” (sic)

“Mr. Dix was handed a golden opportunity to be a leader and fire his unacceptable candidate and he failed, pure and simple,” said Polak. “This is yet another clear example of how Mr. Dix continues to fail when confronted with character tests.”

-30-

VANCOUVER – BC Liberal MLA Mary Polak is demanding NDP Leader Adrian Dix immediately fire NDP candidate Dayleen Van Ryswyk in Kelowna-Mission.

“Ms. Van Ryswyk has made unacceptable and hateful statements against First Nations and French speaking Canadians. There is no place in British Columbia for that type of language,” said Polak. “Adrian Dix should immediately terminate her nomination.”

On the Castanet community blog, Ms. Van Ryswyk has made a number of comments that are clearly unacceptable to British Columbians.

In a discussion thread titled ‘Strip them of the Status Card,’ Ms. Ryswyk wrote:

“It’s not the status cards, it’s the fact that we have been paying out of the nose for generations for something that isn’t our doing. If their ancestors sold out too cheap it’s not my fault and i shouldn’t have to be paying for any mistake or whatever you want to call it from MY hard earned money.”

“It’s time our generation stopped paying for the mistakes of the past…let us all be one people…THE SAME.. race, creed colour or gender shouldn’t matter anymore in this day and age…enough is enough already.” (sic)

“The government is nothing more than a big black hole that feeds off the working man, sucking his last penny from his hand so they can give it away freely or lose it stupidly on things like fast ferries and about a zillion other stupid things.”

“In my opinion, we have paid our debt…a thousand fold..it’s time to move on, heal and grow. If the native people are to be the proud nation they keep talking about, then stand on your two feet and hold your heads high. There are a lot of things to be proud of, stop dwelling on the past. Because like the economy…the gravy train bubble will eventually burst too.” (sic)

“Seems the only group of people universally hated around the world other than the Americans are the french and FRENCH CANADIANS…the bigots are the french and not us….” (sic)

“I’m getting so sick of having french stuffed down my throat…this isn’t Quebec…it’s western Canada…we speak english here….why are we forced to have it at our western Canadian hosted Olympics?” (sic)

“Clearly, these remarks are not becoming a potential member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia,” said Polak. “Adrian Dix should never have signed her nomination papers with these kinds of beliefs, but now that he has, he has no choice but to immediately fire her.”

Attachment: Castanet Discussion Thread

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April 14, 2013

Nanaimo—Walter Anderson, computer company president and past chair of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, will be the candidate for Today’s BC Liberals in the Nanaimo riding in the BC election on May 14.

“The choice is clear,” said Anderson, founder and president of ITC Computers. “It’s the choice of a strong economy under a BC Liberal government, with balanced budgets, controlled spending, support for business and small business, and job creation. Or it’s back to square one with the NDP: tax, spend, run up deficits, and then raise taxes some more."

“As Finance Minister de Jong says, there is only one thing worse than a really bad movie—and that’s being forced to watch the same really bad movie for a second time.”

Anderson, 47, has more than 20 years experience in the computer and network industry, and is a leader in information systems technologies. ITC designs, builds and manages small, medium and enterprise computer systems.

A Nanaimo resident for more than 30 years, Anderson has served as a community volunteer on board of the United Way (Nanaimo) and the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra. And he is a past president of the Nanaimo Oceanside Rotary Club.

-30-

For more information:

Ben James
778-872-3431
ben.james@bcliberals.com

Walter Anderson - Biography

For over 30 years, Walter Anderson, founder and president of ITC, has called Nanaimo home and is committed to serving both his community and his customers with the same outstanding dedication to quality and service.  With over twenty years experience in the Computer and Network Industry, he knows that ITC’s success is a result of keeping the business customer-focused. To accompany his extensive experience in the industry, he possesses an impressive education in Information Systems Technologies.

Walter is extremely dedicated to and involved in his community.  Well known for his high energy, enthusiasm and desire to create positive change, he enjoys serving his community in a variety of capacities.  He is currently the Past Chair of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce as well as Past President of the Nanaimo Oceanside Rotary Club.  He has served on the Board of Directors for the United Way (Nanaimo) and the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra.

April 13, 2013

Castlegar - Today's BC Liberals have announced that Jim Postnikoff will be their candidate in Kootenay West for the upcoming provincial election.

Postnikoff is a small business owner and worked as a millwright in the mining and forestry industries for 25 years.

"Today's BC Liberals have balanced B.C.'s budget and they have a plan to grow our province's economy - that's why I'm running for them," said Postnikoff. "It took this province years to recover from the damage caused by the NDP, we cannot head back down that risky path."

Postnikoff says that voters have a clear choice in the next election between Premier Christy Clark and NDP leader Adrian Dix.

"The Premier has proven that she is a resilient leader capable of dealing with criticism without losing sight of the big picture - growing B.C.'s economy," added Postnikoff. "On the other hand, Adrian Dix has spent many months keeping his plan hidden from British Columbians, and now he has refused to debate the Premier one-on-one. Voters deserve better than that."

Postnikoff's nomination meeting is set for Sunday (April 14), noon, Quality Inn, 41935 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar.

-30-

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Jim Postnikoff - Biography

Jim Postnikoff was born and raised in the Kootenays.  Jim grew up in Shoreacres, a small rural community, and attended high school in Castlegar.

Jim then went on to attend Selkirk College enrolling in the apprentice program. He worked in the mining/smelting and forestry industries for 25 years, and then purchased a hobby farm in Shoreacres where he and his family still reside today. While working the farm, Jim also started his own businesses including a gravel pit, a trucking company, a water bottling company and, most recently, a mini storage business.

Jim has three grown children, Jamie, Jake and Jesse.  While they were growing up, Jim was an active member in their sports and school programs.  He held positions as Parent Advisory Council President, Castlegar Minor Hockey President and sat on the Board of West Kootenay Minor Hockey Association.  Jim is a past and active member of several local service organizations and has held senior positions within those organizations.

Jim has always felt proud to contribute back to the community that he grew up in and is now seeking to do it at the provincial level as a candidate for the BC Liberals in Kootenay West.

April 12, 2013

Vancouver - Today's BC Liberals have announced that Celyna Sia Sherst will be the party's candidate in Vancouver-Mount Pleasant.

"Today's BC Liberals are the right choice for British Columbians who want to have a strong economy to depend on for good paying jobs," said Sia Sherst. "I'm proud to run as a candidate for Premier Christy Clark - she is focused on growing our economy and that is a priority that I support."

Sia Sherst is a travel consultant and a qualified Administrative Management Specialist with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is an active community volunteer, including roles in the Immigrant Services Society, the 411 Seniors Society and the Filipino Seniors Club of BC.

"I was quite disappointed yesterday when I heard that the NDP are promising to cut B.C.'s new Training and Education Savings Grant program," added Sia Sherst. "This is money to help families pay for their children's education, and for the NDP to say they would cut that says something about their priorities."

Sia Sherst’s nomination meeting is tonight (Friday April 12), 5:30 p.m., West End Community Centre, 870 Denman St., Vancouver.

-30-

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Celyna Sia Sherst - Biography

Celyna Sia Sherst, born in the Philippines, grew up with a Chinese father and a Filipino mother.

Celyna came to Vancouver, B.C. in 1981 and within a few years, she took her oath to become a Canadian Citizen.

She is a qualified Administrative Management Specialist and received a diploma from Universal Institute in Vancouver. Celyna has a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Metro Manila, Philippines. Celyna is a busy, hard working individual with good interpersonal and communications skills

Celyna also has experience in the tourism industry. Presently, she is a Travel Consultant at CETI Consultants Inc.

She and her husband Mark have one child.

April 12, 2013

TODAY'S BC LIBERALS ADD SCOTT HARRISON IN VANCOUVER-WEST END

Vancouver - Today's BC Liberals have announced that Scott Harrison, Vancouver native and co-founder of an award-winning renovation design company (Maison D’etre), will be the party's candidate in Vancouver-West End.

"There is a crystal-clear choice for voters in this election, grow the economy or grow the size of government," said Harrison. "It is critical that we remain an attractive environment for private-sector investment."

Harrison has a BA from the University of Toronto in Canadian History, 15 years business experience and two boys.

"Under the BC Liberals we have a Triple AAA credit rating and a record of controlling spending," added Harrison. "It is this kind of prudent management that will ensure we remain a safe haven for investment.”

Harrison's nomination will be Friday (April 12), 5:30 p.m., West End Community Centre (English Bay Room), 870 Denman St., Vancouver.

-30-

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Scott Harrison - Biography

Scott was born and raised in Vancouver.

After completing his BA in Canadian and American History at the University of Toronto, he co-founded Maison D'etre, an award winning renovation Design Company in Vancouver's West End.

Scott brings 15 years of entrepreneurial and business experience combined with his recent experience as a hard working stay at home parent for his youngest son.  He has two boys aged 9 & 3.

Scott has been an active volunteer with the BC Liberal Party for many 15 years, serving as a the Vancouver Burrard & West End Riding president plus various roles on the provincial executive.

He was a key part of Lorne Mayencourt's breakthrough victory for the BC Liberals in Vancouver-Burrard in 2001. He is currently on leave from his recent job as EA to Steve Thomson.

April 11, 2013

Port Coquitlam - Today's BC Liberals have announced their candidate for the May 14 provincial election: 24-year-old Barbara Lu.

Lu is a political science grad from Simon Fraser University, and at 24, she is the youngest BC Liberal candidate in the election.

Lu says that there is a clear choice in the next election: “We have a balanced budget. We have brought down taxes to among the lowest in the country and brought in new business and investment. As the premier says, things that should be going up are going up. Things that should be going down are going down. The NDP’s record, in contrast, is investment going down, and taxes going up: I don't want to try to raise a family in that type of economic environment."

Lu is a Port Coquitlam high-school grad, an active youth leader at her church and she is also active in organizations geared to engaging youth in politics.

Lu’s nomination meeting will be Monday April 15 at 7 pm at the Poco Inn & Suites Hotel (Salon A, 1545 Lougheed Highway, Port Coquitlam.)

-30-

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Barbara Lu - Biography

Born in Mexico City, Barbara’s family immigrated to B.C. 23 years ago and started a small business in Port Moody shortly thereafter. Barbara grew up working at her parents’ restaurant and developed strong ties in the Tri-Cities community over the last 18 years. She and her husband Adrian have been married for four years and care deeply that B.C. remains a place where their family can grow and prosper.

Barbara developed a passion for Canadian government and politics during her high school years in Port Coquitlam and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Simon Fraser University, focusing on Canadian public policy. Since 2004, Barbara has been an active youth leader at her church and in other organizations geared towards engaging youth in politics.

After knocking on thousands of doors and making countless phone calls on behalf of other candidates at all levels of government, Barbara is ready to share her vision for Port Coquitlam and B.C. with voters as a candidate herself. She is running because she wants to be a voice for Port Coquitlam and a voice for her generation in Victoria.

Barbara draws her inspiration from her family and the sacrifices they have made to make life better for her and her sister and has given her life to doing the same for her family and community.

Victoria - Today's BC Liberals have announced two new Southern Vancouver Island candidates for the May 14 provincial election: Kerrie Reay in Juan de Fuca and Karen Bill in Victoria-Beacon Hill.

Reay is a District of Sooke councillor and is project manager at BC Corrections headquarters in Victoria. A criminology graduate (honour roll) of Simon Fraser University, she has worked in BC Corrections since 1985, and was awarded in 2010 the Governor General of Canada Medal for exemplary service in corrections.

To seek election, Bill has taken leave from her role as executive assistant to B.C.’s Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. Bill has been a senior staff member for several ministers and MLAs for 15 years, and is a lifelong resident of Victoria, a University of Victoria graduate (political science), and a volunteer Girl Guide leader.

Both say the fundamental choice in the election is clear:

Reay: “There is a crystal-clear choice on the economy, jobs and security for our families. The election will determine whether Vancouver Island continues to move forward under a BC Liberal government or whether we go back to when B.C. racked up eight consecutive deficit budgets, doubled the debt, blew its credit rating and became a have-not province.”

Bill: “The BC Liberals have a clear and responsible record. We have a balanced budget. We have controlled spending. We have a Triple AAA credit rating. We have brought down taxes to among the lowest in the country and brought in new business and investment. The NDP’s record, in contrast, is tax, spend, cripple business, and then tax some more.”

Reay, 51, began work with BC Corrections in Prince George and Terrace and at 26 and became one of the youngest local managers with Corrections in BC, supervising services from Terrace to the Yukon border. In 2007, after four years in the Chilliwack Community Corrections office, she moved to BC Corrections in Victoria, and to a home in Sooke in June 2008.

She was elected to Sooke Council in 2011. Her community service also includes fundraising for many charities, among them the Canadian Cancer Society. She is a director with the Sooke Branch 54 Royal Canadian Legion Housing Society.

Bill, 44, sought a seat in Beacon Hill in 1991, placing second with over 32% of the popular vote.

“I love Victoria and B.C. as do my children (Antonia, 11; and Ben, 8)," added Bill. "I am looking forward to another opportunity to win election and make a difference in my home community."

Karen Bill's nomination meeting will be on Friday, April 12th at 5:30 pm (105-1990 Fort Street, Victoria - corner of Foul Bay Road). Kerrie Reay's meeting will be on Tuesday April 16th at 6 pm (102A-3179 Jacklin Road, Colwood).

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Kerrie Reay - Biography

Kerrie started working for the BC Corrections Branch in January 1985, with her first posting to Terrace as an Adult and Youth Probation Officer and Family Court Counsellor. At the age of 26, she became one of the youngest Local Managers in the province, managing the delivery of services from Terrace to the Yukon border.  In the summer of 2003 she transferred to the Chilliwack Community Corrections office. In 2007, Kerrie accepted a new position as a Project Manager with Corrections Headquarters in Victoria, moving to Sooke in June of 2008.

In April 2010, Kerrie was awarded the Governor General of Canada Medal for Exemplary Service in Corrections.

Kerrie’s community service has been varied over the years.  While fundraising for many charities she was primarily involved with the Canadian Cancer Society, particularly with the Terrace Cancer Support group and coordinated the Cancer Emergency Aid program for Terrace. Kerrie recently became Director with the Sooke Branch 54 Royal Canadian Legion Housing Society and is the Chair of the Placement Committee.

Kerrie and her husband Robert enjoy the small town lifestyle that Sooke offers.  Their pets have been a huge part of their lives, many of which have been adopted or rescued.  Currently they have two cats Masset and Charlotte and an English Mastiff puppy Loxley.

Kerrie was elected to the District of Sooke Council in 2011.

Karen Bill - Biography

Karen Bill has called Victoria home all her life. She studied at the University of Victoria, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, Double Major, in Political Science and Philosophy, as well as a Certificate in Business Administration.  Along with her husband, Louis-Philippe, Karen raises her two children Antonia and Ben in the Garden City.

Karen has always had a strong desire to make a positive difference in her community. This prompted her to run for MLA in 1991 and now, again in 2013.  She feels it is imperative that more women run for office, as women have a place and a voice that must be heard. As a volunteer Girl Guide Leader, Karen is encouraging the next generation of women leaders in this province.  Her work with the young women of Girl Guides has also brought the issue of bullying to the forefront in Karen’s mind. She is inspired by and supportive of the current government’s initiatives to combat bullying amongst youth.

With 15 years of experience working in the legislature for numerous MLAs and Ministers, Karen has a comprehensive perspective on provincial politics.  Her work as senior staff has included the office of the Minister of Forestry and Minister Responsible for Housing, Minister of Housing and Social Development, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Minister of Justice, Minister of Children and Family Development, and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. This vast array of experience combined with her education in Political Science and a strong desire to work for her community make Karen the ideal representative for the people of Victoria-Beacon Hill.

April 10, 2013

Vancouver - As NDP leader Adrian Dix continues to duck the one-on-one debate proposed by Global TV, Mary Polak says the NDP seem to have changed their tune from previous elections.

"In the last election the NDP were all for having a one-on-one leaders' debate, but now they seem to be hiding their plan and their leader from British Columbians," said Mary Polak, Today's BC Liberal candidate for Langley.

With one four-way leaders' debate set and another being planned, on Tuesday, Premier Christy Clark agreed to Global TV's offer for a one-on-one debate as well.

"British Columbians want the chance to see both plans side-by-side," added Polak. "We've accepted the offer to debate one-on-one, and we hope the NDP will as well."

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

2009 NDP News Release:

Following TV debate loss, Campbell drops CBC debate

May 4th, 2009

April 8, 2013

Port Alberni - Tourism business operator Darren DeLuca will be the BC Liberal candidate in Alberni-Pacific Rim in the May 14 B.C. election.

“Our community is ready for change, for a vision of prosperity and jobs, and that’s what I will commit to do,” said DeLuca. “NDP candidate Scott Fraser has not done the job, and it’s time for him to go.”

DeLuca owns a big-game guiding company (Vancouver Island Guide Outfitters Inc.) that has worldwide clients. He is a director of the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society (owners of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs) and helped spearhead the drive to make the team community owned. DeLuca is also a director of the Port Alberni Port Authority and co-chair of the Alberni Clayoquot Transportation Committee.

“At this crucial moment, when the forest industry is finally ready to invest in jobs and infrastructure, it is the height of irresponsibility for Scott Fraser to call for the banning of old-growth logging,” said DeLuca. “Our union millworkers and loggers would be laid off instantly.’

“What we should be doing now is encouraging those companies to invest, not driving them away.”

Another priority, he said, is improved highways and road infrastructure. “For too long the local economy has been constrained by lack of access, and should any of these projects proceed to approval, a new highway will be essential.

“Better roads and infrastructure in any area of Alberni-Pacific Rim would be good news for the tourist industry as well as for economic development. A lot of constituents depend on tourism, and it needs all the help it can get.”

Mining is another bright light on the horizon, he said: “With two major mine projects on the books, Eagle Rock and Raven Coal, and more exploration happening in the region, there is new opportunity to create many high-paying, skilled, union jobs."

“B.C.’s environmental approval process is one of the most rigorous and transparent processes in the world, it includes public consultation, and major projects must pass this demanding process before being approved. We need to let the process continue and be completed.”

DeLuca, also a realtor, says he supports the efforts of the Port Alberni Port Authority to develop a transshipping centre near Coleman Creek in the Alberni Inlet. “The transshipping centre would create hundreds of union jobs and tens of millions of dollars in economic activity.”

DeLuca will be officially nomination on Friday (April 12) at 11:30 am at Hollies Executive Golf Course in Port Alberni.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Darren DeLuca - Biography

Darren DeLuca, BC liberal candidate for Alberni-Pacific Rim, is a long-time resident of the Alberni Valley. Born at West Coast General Hospital in 1961, his family left the Valley in the mid-60’s to follow work as contract loggers in the Campbell River and the Terrace, BC areas. In 1977 the family returned to the Port Alberni where Darren completed high school at Alberni District Secondary School, graduating in 1979. He has lived in Port Alberni ever since, working and raising a family.

Darren’s love of the outdoors enticed him to enter the guiding industry and for 10 years he worked as a sportfishing guide in Alberni Inlet and Barclay Sound. At the same time he began to work as a hunting guide and spent 20 years hunting and exploring the far reaches of Vancouver Island. In 2001 Darren purchased the guide outfitter rights to 1500 sq miles on the west side of Vancouver Island and in 2011 took control of another 1500 sq miles stretching from Qualicum Beach to Victoria. Darren is well known and respected in the guide outfitting industry both in BC and around the world.  Darren is a director of the Guide Outfitters Association of BC.

Darren is married to his wife of 24 years Randi DeLuca and has three daughters, Danielle, Ashley and Jaymie, and two grandchildren, Carter and Blake.  Darren is a director of the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society, owners of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and helped spearhead the drive to make it a community-owned team. Darren is also a director of the Port Alberni Port Authority and is the co-chair of the Alberni Clayoquot Transportation Committee.

Darren has done stints as a director on the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Sport Fish Advisory Board, the Treaty- related West Island Regional Advisory Committee, the Regional Aquatic Management Society, and helped coordinate the local Pacific Salmon Foundation/Ducks Unlimited dinner auction for many years.

In his spare time Darren enjoys hunting, fishing and hockey, and hanging with the grandchildren.

Kramer says that voters have a very important choice to make in the next provincial election, and he wants to help ensure that they re-elect a BC Liberal government.

“This government has a strong record of managing our province's economy, creating jobs and supporting families that I believe deserves the support of British Columbia voters,” said Kramer. “Recently, Moody’s reaffirmed B.C.’s AAA credit rating thanks to our government's balanced budget – that type of independent validation is important.”

In addition to developing and running a successful law practice and chairing British Columbia's Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board, Kramer has contributed significantly to numerous community initiatives in our province and throughout Canada.  As a person with a disability, he has also been a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities, most recently focusing his attention on strengthening B.C.’s home care support system.

“I am committed to ensuring that others have opportunities to flourish in this province, and I want to bring that type of effort and support to the job as an MLA,” added Kramer. “Whether it is in my career, or as an advocate, I am passionate about supporting those in need.”

Kramer looks forward to listening to and actively engaging voters about our economy and continuing to make British Columbia the best place for families.

“I’ve watched as Premier Christy Clark has put forward a bold plan to grow our economy, build jobs and strengthen families, and I have to say, her vision was very important in my decision to get involved,” concluded Kramer.

Kramer will be officially nominated on April 14^th at the Best Western Hotel (319 North Road) at 3:00pm.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Ken Kramer - Biography

Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mr. Kramer obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Simon Fraser University in 1991 and his Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of British Columbia in 1995.  He is the Founder/CEO and Senior Associate Counsel with KMK Law Corporation, a boutique law firm located in downtown Vancouver, BC, which provides specialized legal services in the areas of Estates and Trusts law, Wealth Management, Elder Law, Estate Mediation & Litigation.

Mr. Kramer is also Chair of the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board pursuant to an Order in Council by the Minister of Health, Province of British Columbia effective December 31, 2011.

Mr. Kramer is honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to be a spokesperson and advocate for the disabled community in British Columbia and throughout Canada for the past 25 years.  He has sat and continues to sit on numerous boards of professional, charitable and community interest.  Mr. Kramer is Past Chair and the first person with a neuromuscular disorder to lead the National Board of Directors of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.  He is also an active member/alumni of the Governor General's Leadership Conference having served on its National Executive and Board of Directors for the 2008 and 2012 conferences.  In October of 2012, Mr. Kramer was honoured to be the recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his long-time service and commitment to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Mr. Kramer has also dedicated many volunteer hours to the issues of long-term care and disability supports for persons with disabilities as well as the elderly in British Columbia.  He most recently led an initiative between the disability community, the Ministry of Health, it's Health Authorities and other stakeholders resulting in a $19 million dollar increase to the budget for the Choices For Support In Independent Living (CSIL) program of the Province of BC that provides direct funding to individuals with disabilities to enable them to live and function independently in our community.

Mr. Kramer is also a dedicated husband and father and greatly enjoys spending his free time with his spouse, Cora, and his seven-year-old daughter, Maurene.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

April 5, 2013

Vancouver - B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong is reminding British Columbians that you simply cannot trust the NDP when it comes to hitting spending targets.

"The NDP missed 9 of 10 spending targets the last time Adrian Dix and the NDP were in government," said de Jong. "They have done nothing since then to give British Columbians any confidence they would be able to say no to higher spending and higher deficits if they are elected in May."

de Jong noted that the NDP missed their spending targets by over $7 billion during the last time they were in office.

"If the NDP had simply stuck to its spending plans, B.C. would have over $7 billion less debt," said deJong. "The NDP has proven themselves incapable of sticking to spending plans, year after year after year. Why on earth would people trust them now?"

Yesterday, Moody's Investors Service confirmed British Columbia's AAA credit rating. This followed the Dominion Bond Rating Service credit rating confirmation earlier this year. Both rating agencies complimented the government for fiscal discipline and expenditure management.

"What we saw yesterday was a purely political exercise by the NDP to damage the credibility of the budget and the public servants whose advice was relied upon," said de Jong. "The simple fact is the budget is balanced, and this view is confirmed by both Moody's and DBRS credit rating agencies. No matter how much Adrian Dix wants to hurt the credibility of the province, the people who really know numbers have confirmed that the budget is balanced."

"Even the little bit we know of their plan, combined with their record of six consecutive credit downgrades makes it clear that future credit downgrades are a certainty with an NDP government," said de Jong. "It is the same old NDP who can't be trusted to properly manage the finances of the province of British Columbia."

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

April 4, 2013

The NDP plan to run deficit budgets, with no end date in sight.

In contrast, the BC Liberals have a balanced budget that has been confirmed by the credit-rating agencies.

But it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone the NDP plan to run deficits and grow the size of government. The party’s record is one of poor economic managers and not being able to balance the budget.

Some of the NDP’s ‘economic highlights’ include:

• The NDP was elected in 1991 on a promise that “We will not spend more than British Columbians can afford.” They turned around and delivered eight consecutive deficits.

• The NDP left a $3.8-billion structural deficit behind for the next government to clean up.

• The NDP had five debt management plans in eight years and did not meet a single one.

• The NDP received six consecutive credit-rating downgrades

• Between 1992 and 2000, BC's per-capita economic growth fell to dead last in Canada.

• Between 1992 and 2000, BC had less private-sector investment growth than any other Canadian province.

• Under the NDP, BC had the highest top marginal personal income tax rate in Canada (52.7% in 1999) and one of the highest in North America.

• Despite the global financial uncertainty, 2012’s annual unemployment rate was 6.7 per cent, lower than every year under the NDP.

• In 1991, B.C.’s taxpayer-supported debt-to-GDP ratio was 12.4%, by 2001 it had ballooned to 20.3%.

• In the 1992 and 1994 budgets, the NDP imposed $2 billion worth of new taxes on everything from personal to corporate income. (Source: The Vancouver Sun, 30 Aug 2000)

• Budget 1997 included $170 million in revenue through a program of “disposing of certain assets that are no longer required."

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

April 3, 2013

Vancouver - In the wake of ambiguous statements from BCNDP Environment Critic Rob Fleming on the provincial carbon tax, Environment Minister and Kamloops-North Thompson BC Liberal candidate Terry Lake is calling on the NDP to come clean on where they stand on the tax.

"Rob Fleming opposed the Carbon Tax when we introduced it in 2008 and today he won't say where his party stands," said Lake. "Wait for the platform, he says. Well, we are 6 weeks from election day. Either he knows what is in the NDP agenda and isn't telling British Columbians, or he doesn't know because Jim Sinclair and the BC Federation of Labour haven't told him. Which is it?"

Today, Rob Fleming criticized the decision of the BC Liberal Party to freeze the Carbon Tax for five years to allow other jurisdictions to catch up to B.C.'s climate change leadership position. Yet when questioned by reporters for the NDP's position on the Carbon Tax and Carbon Tax rates, Fleming refused to answer.

"It's pretty tough to listen to Rob Fleming who campaigned against the Carbon Tax in the last election, say he is against a 5 year Carbon Tax rate freeze," said Lake. "Why won't the NDP just come clean and tell people what they will do? It's just not that hard."

"We have seen this pattern from the NDP all year long. They simply refuse to say what they are going to do if they get elected," said Lake. "That isn't leadership. It's the same old cynical politics from the same old NDP."

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

April 2, 2013

Saanich - When it comes to protecting the environment, the NDP is repeatedly dodging and dithering and only providing double-talk, says Rishi Sharma, Today's BC Liberal candidate for Saanich South.

While Adrian Dix’s NDP avoids taking a stand on B.C.’s climate change goals and attacks B.C.’s carbon neutrality, the BC Liberal and Green Parties have been clear in their support of Pacific Carbon Trust and efforts to tackle climate change.

"The NDP needs to get off the fence and tell British Columbians where they stand on environmental issues,” said Sharma. "The NDP is intentionally indecisive on the environment and voters deserve the truth before May 14."

"The NDP has flip-flopped on the carbon tax and has opposed clean energy production in British Columbia. The NDP won’t even take a stand on whether they support the Kinder Morgan pipeline," added Sharma.

Premier Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals have been consistent on environmental issues. They have introduced world-leading action on climate change, supported the creation of clean energy and tech industries, and have taken action to protect the Sacred Headwaters.

As well, Today's BC Liberals have taken a consistent and principled stand on the transmission of heavy oil in British Columbia. Premier Christy Clark has introduced five conditions that apply to all heavy oil pipelines including the Northern Gateway and Trans Mountain.

"Adrian Dix refuses to reveal the NDP’s plans on the environment or take stances on key environmental issues,” said Sharma. "The NDP should stop avoiding the discussion and tell British Columbians what they would do on the environment."

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

March 28, 2013

Chilliwack - As the BC NDP mark the anniversary of when MLA Gwen O'Mahoney said their platform would be released, confusion continues to swirl around what an NDP government would do - this time on health care.

Speaking in Chilliwack, NDP health critic Mike Farnworth said: "It is spending smarter. It is having the right priorities and it is using the resources that you have as efficiently as possible."

When pressed by local reporters about spending even more money, Farnworth repeatedly said: "it's not a question of more money."

This is at odds with comments from his colleagues and himself - who have repeatedly said the $2.4 billion increase in health care spending in Budget 2013 was not enough.

In fact, Adrian Dix has said an NDP priority would be to make B.C. "amongst the highest in Canada in terms of per capita support for health care".

"It seems Adrian Dix can't make up his mind on what they're going to do - even on something as important as health care," said John Martin, Today's BC Liberal candidate for Chilliwack. "Strong leadership means having a clear vision and the NDP simply don't have one."

"Do they want to simply be the highest in per capita spending, or do they want to focus on having the most efficient delivery of health services?", asked Martin. "Dix and the NDP can't have it both ways."

"This election is about a competition of ideas and we're not getting any from Adrian Dix and the NDP," added Martin. "We have a clear plan - people know we are focused on growing the economy and how we're going to balance the budget."

"The NDP have been promising to reveal their plans well before the election and have failed to do it," concluded Martin.

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BACKGROUNDER: NDP ON HEALTH SPENDING

"We would be looking to be amongst the highest in Canada in terms of per capita support for health care. You know, it's dropped from third to eighth under the Liberals. So that would be a high priority for us." - Adrian Dix, CFAX, Oct 15/07

"The rate of increase that's been assigned to health care in this budget is a rate that cannot be sustained, is not good for the system." - Bruce Ralston, Hansard, Feb 20/13

"Health spending is decreased in this budget compared to what was projected in the last budget for this coming year. The projection that just over a 2 percent increase will meet the growing needs isn't realistic when you look at the trends of the past few years of growth in the 3 to 4 percent range. In fact, this represents a $131 million decrease from what was planned for this year in the previous budget for health authorities." - Doug Donaldson, Hansard, Feb 28/13

"The health budget is now pegged at $235 million. It's less than projected in previous budgets. This will result in cuts across the system. Madam Speaker, if you think there are problems in Surrey Memorial Hospital today…. People have to go and line up and stand and wait in the emergency ward for six, seven or eight hours, sometimes longer. What will happen when they don't get the increase in resources that they need to meet the growing demand of their community?" - Harry Bains, Hansard, Feb 27/13

"My other concern is that the Liberals have deliberately underestimated the cost of many, many programs in order to make this bogus budget balance. When the money runs out, just as it happened in 2009, we will see cuts to front-line services for some of our most vulnerable citizens, including children in care and adults with developmental disabilities. The Health budget increase is $233 million less than projected in the previous budget. This will result in cuts across the system, cuts to a system that is struggling to make ends meet now." - Katrine Conroy, Hansard, Feb 21/13

"Instead, we have a bogus budget predicated on land sales, predicated on massive cuts to areas that should not be cut, like post-secondary education, like forestry. We've got numbers in health care. We have a lift, but that lift is just not going to address some of the major issues that we're facing in health care today. When you look at these numbers, the only conclusion that you can come up with is that this budget is not balanced." - Michelle Mungall, Hansard, Feb 27/13

"In fact, in health totally, there are going to be cuts. The government says there's an increase, but the increase is so slight that there are going to be cuts. We know we need to do health differently, but this budget — this austerity budget, this bogus budget — is going to mean wait-lists. There's no doubt about it." - Claire Trevena, Hansard, Feb 20/13

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

March 26, 2013

Smithers – Today’s BC Liberals have announced two new candidates for the 2013 election: Sharon Hartwell in Stikine and Judy Fraser in North Coast.

Sharon Hartwell brings considerable local government experience to the team. She is the former Mayor of the Village of Telkwa, a former Director on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the former second Vice President of the Union of BC Municipalities, and the former Chair of the Northwest Regional Hospital District.

“We’re just seven weeks away from the most important election for British Columbia in a long time,” said Hartwell. “Northwest B.C. has a once-in-a-generation opportunity before it with Liquid Natural Gas and a potential $25 billion refinery – Today’s BC Liberals are focused on finding a responsible way to ensure these opportunities don’t pass us by.”

Judy Fraser is a small business owner. She sits on the board of the Prince Rupert Airport Authority and is actively involved with the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, helping recruit and settle new doctors into the community.

"Today’s BC Liberal are focused on how we can grow B.C.’s economy," said Fraser. "Northwest B.C. is in the spotlight right now, so it is critical for this region that we elect a government that is committed to developing our resources responsibly, not a government that will just say 'no' to everything."

Brad Bennett, the son of Premier Bill Bennett and grandson of W.A.C. Bennett, will be the guest speaker at the nominations in Smithers and Prince Rupert. Bennett will do a tour of Northwest B.C., including visits to Skeena to see the site of the potential $25 billion Kitimat Clean Ltd. refinery proposed by David Black.

Sharon Hartwell’s nomination will be today, Tuesday March 26th, at the Hudson Bay Lodge (Babine Room) in Smithers at 6:30pm, while Judy Fraser will be nominated Wednesday March 27th at The Crest Hotel (BC Room) in Prince Rupert at 6:30pm.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Judy Fraser - Biography

Judy Fraser has spent most of her life living in and loving life in Prince Rupert and the beauty of the North Coast of British Columbia.  Since graduating from Prince Rupert Secondary school, Judy has worked in a variety of jobs and owned and operated several small businesses in the community.

Judy has been involved politically in the North Coast Riding for the past thirteen years, so is very familiar with the area and the geographic challenges her riding faces.  She has a good understanding of regional issues and her position as Regional Director on the BC Liberal Executive keeps her current on the issues.

Judy is a true Rupert Booster and is very involved in her community.  Judy is currently on the board of the Prince Rupert Airport Authority and Prince Rupert Golf Club executive.  She is also very involved with the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital helping with the recruitment and settling of Doctors into the community.  In the past Judy has served of the Provincial Executive of the BC Ladies Curling Association, the Prince Rupert Health Advocacy Committee and the 2010 Municipal Task Force.

Judy is married to Paul, a marine engineer.  They have two sons Scott and Troy.  Scott is married to Jenny and they are both firefighters in Vancouver.  Troy is married to Shawna and they live in Calgary where Troy is an electrician.  Grandchildren Joey 11 and Ellie 2 complete their family.

Judy is excited about the recent economic growth in the region and wants to see it continue.  She would work hard to ensure a region where our youth could settle and not have to leave the area to find good paying jobs.

Sharon Hartwell - Biography

Sharon Hartwell was born and raised in the Bulkley Valley and now lives in Telkwa. Sharon has worked for many years in the hospitality industry as a small business owner and manager.

She was elected to council in the Village of Telkwa in 1990 and was elected as Mayor in 1996, serving four consecutive terms as Mayor. While Sharon was Mayor she was actively involved on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. Sharon also had the opportunity to sit as chair of the Northwest Regional Hospital District.

Sharon has been actively involved, not only in her community but regionally as well. As a local community leader, Sharon has been successful at bringing over $6 million of improvements to the Village of Telkwa in the last three years alone. She has been successful at partnering with other agencies to provide solutions to local issues.

March 24, 2013

Surrey - Dr. Amrik Tung has won the nomination to represent Today's BC Liberals in Surrey-Green Timbers. Dr. Tung won the nomination over Parminder Thind at a meeting in Surrey this afternoon. With nearly 800 voting, it was one of the most well-attended meetings in B.C.

"It's a real honour to be running with a strong team of candidates here in Surrey and across B.C.," said Tung. "The quality of candidates here speaks to the strength of Premier Christy Clark's vision and leadership."

"This election will be the most important in a generation," added Tung. "I'm running to make sure B.C. goes forward with a strong economy. We don't want to go back to out-of-control spending with the NDP."

Tung added that competitor Parminder Thind ran a strong campaign and deserves credit for participating in the democratic process.

"I want to thank Mr. Thind for his hard work in this process - nomination races are a great way to bring some positive energy to any riding," said Tung.

With the nomination of Dr. Amrik Tung, Today's BC Liberals have announced their entire team of candidates in Surrey, including new candidates Marvin Hunt (Panorama), Peter Fassbender (Fleetwood), Amrik Virk (Tynehead), Kuljeet Kaur (Whalley) and Sukhminder Virk (Newton). They will be joined by returning candidates Stephanie Cadieux (Cloverdale) and Gordon Hogg (White Rock).

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@gmail.com

Amrik Tung - Biography

Dr. Amrik Tung has been a family doctor in Surrey since 1991. Dr. Tung received his medical degree from the Guru Nanak Dev University in India in 1984, and completed post-graduate clinical training in New Zealand and Edmonton Alberta.

Dr. Tung has deep roots in the Surrey-Green Timbers riding - his medical practice has been located in Surrey-Green Timbers for the past 20 years. He is an active member of the community including with the local Sikh and Hindu temples, and he wants to continue serving his community as their MLA.

Dr. Tung also teaches second and fourth year UBC medical students.

March 22, 2013

Saanich– Today’s BC Liberals have announced that Saanich resident and former Ministerial Assistant Rishi Sharma will be the Party’s candidate in Saanich South.

Sharma, a thirteen-year veteran aide from B.C.’s Provincial Legislature, is excited about running in the most important election the province has seen in years.

“I’m proud to be running with the strong team of new and returning candidates recruited by Premier Christy Clark, especially when so much is on the line,” said Sharma. “It is clear that only one party – only one leader – has a vision to grow B.C.’s economy.”

Sharma was recently recognized in the Saanich News and the Times Colonist for his green “reuse” housing partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

"Giving back to my community is something I strongly believe in," added Sharma. "Donating my house to Habitat for Humanity was something that just made sense to me - why throw away something that could easily be reused?"

Sharma believes the next step for him is to give back by representing his community as their MLA.

“People in Saanich South want a representative who is focused on ways to help grow our local economy,” added Sharma. "That is the mindset I will bring to the job, and I think it is something we’re missing from our current MLA.”

"It's great to have a candidate from Saanich running for Today's BC Liberals in Saanich South," said Ida Chong, MLA and candidate for Today's BC Liberals in Oak Bay-Gordon Head. "Rishi grew up, went to school and now raises his young family in Saanich South, and with his work experience and knowledge of local issues he will be a great representative for Saanich South residents."

Sharma and his wife Amy live in Saanich with their two daughters.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Rishi Sharma - BiographyRishi Sharma is a life-long resident of the Saanich Peninsula and now proudly raises his family there too.

Rishi's working life has been dedicated to public service and to ensuring that families have the best possible supports.

He began his career in the BC Legislature in 1999 as a Legislative Assistant to various MLAs, including Christy Clark. He has moved up in the organization, and also worked during transitions of two governments.

During his time working in government, Rishi has gained remarkable experience and is skilled in various policy areas, including health services for seniors, environmental issues, post secondary education and on the subject of innovation and technology.

Rishi is also involved in property development in the region and is very aware of the issues faced by property owners in the community. He was recently recognized by the Times Colonist, Saanich News, Victoria News, CKNW and CFAX for his green "reuse" partnership with Victoria's regional arm of Habitat for Humanity.

Rishi is married to Amy, a Registered Nurse at Victoria's General Hospital, and has two young daughters. He spends his free time with them, enjoying everything that life on the West Coast has to offer.

Letter to the Editor: GROWING OUR ECONOMY VERUS GROWING GOVERNMENT

By Rich Coleman, MLA and candidate for Today's BC Liberals, Fort Langley-Aldergrove

March 22, 2013

In the past few days, we have seen the stark contrast that exists between our government’s approach to private sector investment and the approach of Adrian Dix and the NDP.

Kitimat Clean is a $25-billion proposal for a refinery on B.C.’s north coast. It would be the largest private sector investment in B.C.’s history and it proposes to use the most advanced environmental technologies to refine heavy oil into diesel, gasoline and other products.

This project has the potential to create thousands of family-supporting jobs for British Columbia and provide significant revenue for healthcare and education. In fact, it could be a real game-changer for B.C.’s economy.

While this project must meet B.C.’s five conditions for heavy oil including the most stringent environmental considerations, it deserves encouragement and support.

Unfortunately – but characteristically – the NDP have dismissed this proposal. While they acknowledge they don’t know much about the financial arrangements or prospective markets for the products of this refinery, the NDP House Leader dismissed the refinery's proponent, one of B.C.’s most successful businessmen, as a “sucker”.

Our Party welcomes bold ideas, innovation, and investment to this province. B.C. wasn’t built by dismissing bold ideas like a $25-billion refinery. Unlike the NDP, we won’t sit back and watch a prosperous future pass us by.

The pending election comes down to a choice: growing the economy with Today’s BC Liberals, or growing the size of government with the NDP.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

March 21, 2013

Kamloops – With the release of the BC Jobs Plan 18 month update by Premier Christy Clark at NRI Distribution, Kamloops-South Thompson BC Liberal candidate Todd Stone is reminding voters how far Kamloops has come in the last decade.

"This is a community that more and more people are calling home; they've got jobs and they are raising families here because working together, Kamloops has built up a solid economic base," said Stone.

"But it wasn't always like that,” added Stone. “The last time the NDP was in power, Kamloops was a much different place. Unemployment was solidly in the double digits, people had to leave town for work and families were torn apart. It was a tough time for a lot of people."

At the end of the NDP reign, unemployment in Kamloops sat at 13.8 per cent; it's now almost half that at 7.2 per cent.

In terms of employment, under the NDP the number of employed people dropped to 41,000. In contrast, between 2001 and 2012 the number of employed grew by 14,000 (33% increase, and three times the rate of population growth).

In 2000, the total value of building permits in Kamloops was $50,127,000, in 2012 it was nearly $200,000,000. That is an increase of nearly 400%.

"This election is about British Columbia being at a crossroads," said Stone. "With Premier Christy Clark, we have a leader who wants to grow the economy, not grow government.”

“In Kamloops, we've seen first-hand the benefits of a government that understands a strong economy allows us to pay for things like an expanded Royal Inland Hospital and new investments at Thompson Rivers University. We can't afford to go back to the days when people were leaving Kamloops," concluded Stone.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, NDP House Leader John Horgan was on CKNW radio talking about the Kitimat refinery proposal being put forward by businessman David Black.

“It's irresponsible to assume because the guy has an idea that it's going to be successful, because that's not the track record of private sector investment. Everybody's got a good idea… There's a sucker born every minute," NDP House Leader and Energy Critic John Horgan. Listen Here

The NDP will always tell us why things can’t be done.

Free enterprisers will show you how things can be done.

Free enterprise has a proud record of taking ideas and getting them done --- a legacy of hydroelectric power, infrastructure and resource development, and the generational opportunities in the energy sector we’re seeing today.

Like Premier Christy Clark, my father and grandfather worked very hard to grow BC’s economy.

To the NDP, those with bold ideas, vision, and determination to create BC jobs are ‘suckers’. They forget that it’s ideas like Mr. Black’s that built our province and will build our future.

The next election offers a clear choice to voters; do we want to continue to grow the economy with Today’s BC Liberals, or do we want to grow the size of the government with the NDP and scale back the economy?

The election is 55 days away. We need your help today.

• Please donate $5 or more to help us fight for a better future for this great province.
• Please give 5 hours of your time to help your local candidate.
• Please tell 5 friends today about what’s at stake in this election.

Every day – for the next 55 days – we need to work hard to keep BC’s economy strong.

I believe we can win this election. Join me in fighting for BC’s future.

Thank you,

March 20, 2013

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

March 20, 2013

Vancouver - NDP House Leader and Energy Critic John Horgan showed once again why his party grossly fails to understand how to grow the economy.

Speaking on CKNW, Horgan had the opportunity to show his party's encouragement and support for the made-in-BC refinery proposal but instead he chose to make disparaging remarks about the B.C. businessman who's looking to create thousands of jobs.

"But I think it's irresponsible to assume because the guy has an idea that it's going to be successful, because that's not the track record of private sector investment. Everybody's got a good idea, Jon. As they say, there's a sucker born every minute," Horgan told interviewer Jon McComb.

His denial of the opportunity comes as his federal NDP leader has repeatedly called for new refineries to be built in Quebec.

"Here we are with a serious, made-in B.C. proposal and the opposition is saying no, we won't help you to create thousands of jobs," said Energy Minister Rich Coleman. "It's not leadership to tell a businessman that your party has no interest in good ideas, in seeing if it can work and then to call him a sucker."

"That's disrespectful but not altogether surprising as the NDP think only about growing government and have no idea how to foster an environment where jobs are created. First tip on how not to create jobs is failing to support good ideas, sending mixed signals and insulting people who want to invest.”

In marked contrast, Premier Christy Clark has said her government will work to see if we can get to a yes on the proposal after a thorough environmental review process. As well, any pipeline would have to meet the province's five conditions before proceeding.

"The NDP are pretending to talk to business in a new way but today the veil was pulled back and it's the same old band – with a negative attitude toward business - who ruined our economy before. With comments like this, it's clear they don't get the economy," said Coleman.

"It takes vision and leadership to make the right choices today so these projects and thousands of jobs are created. That's what this government has done under Premier Christy Clark and the opposition doesn't get it."

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

March 18, 2013

Coquitlam– Today’s BC Liberals have announced that small business owner and community leader Steve Kim will be the Party’s candidate in Coquitlam-Maillardville.

“I’m very proud to join the outstanding team of candidates running with Premier Christy Clark,” said Kim. “The team of new and returning candidates shows the renewal that is taking place with Today’s BC Liberals.”

Steve Kim is the founder and President of Boilingpoint Group (a boutique marketing and communications firm) and has also served as President of the B.C. chapter of the American Marketing Association (on leave).

“The next election will be a critical event for the future of B.C.,” added Kim. “Today’s BC Liberals have a clear plan to grow B.C.’s economy, but that progress will be put at risk if the NDP are elected.”

Kim is also the former Chair of the C3 Korean Canadian Society, and is an active community leader who strongly believes in the direction set by Today’s BC Liberals.

“The concerns of Korean Canadians and Coquitlam-Maillardville residents are very similar - they want B.C. to maintain a strong economy that supports good paying jobs,” added Kim. “I’m running because Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberals have reached out to the Korean community in a meaningful way and shown that they share our values and concerns.”

Kim grew up in Coquitlam-Maillardville, is a graduate of Coquitlam’s Centennial Secondary and the University of Western Ontario, and also holds a Master of Arts degree from Korea University.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Steve Kim - Biography

Steve Kim grew up in Coquitlam-Maillardville, is a proud graduate of Centennial High School, and is now President of Boilingpoint Group, a boutique marketing and communications firm.

Throughout his career, Steve has focused on developing small business, building community and fostering leadership through volunteerism.  He is currently on leave as President of the BC Chapter of the American Marketing Association and has worked with numerous start-ups and growth stage businesses to showcase thought leadership and innovation in their markets.

Steve is a leader in B.C.’s growing Korean community. He is the former Chair of C3 Korean Canadian Society, which is dedicated to building bridges between all Canadian communities.

Steve is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and holds a Master of Arts from Korea University.

March 12, 2013

Vancouver – Today’s BC Liberals have announced that former Vancouver City Councillor Suzanne Anton will be the Party’s candidate in Vancouver-Fraserview.

“The next election is critical for B.C.’s future – Today’s BC Liberals have balanced the budget and have a plan focused on growing B.C.’s economy,” said Anton.

“During my time on Vancouver City Council and the Vancouver Park Board, I was proud to have supported a number of initiatives and investments in the Fraserview area, including the Killarney arena, Everett Crawley Park and the East Fraserlands (River District) working group.”

Anton is a lawyer, served as a Vancouver City Councillor from 2005 to 2011, and also served as a Vancouver Park Board Commissioner from 2002 to 2005. She ran for Vancouver Mayor in 2011, topping the polls in Fraserview.

The Hon. Herb Dhaliwal will serve as an honourary Chair of Anton's campaign. “I had the honour of representing the Fraserview area at the federal level for 11 years and I'm proud to support Suzanne Anton as the BC Liberal candidate in May's election,” said Dhaliwal.

“Suzanne is a hard worker and she is committed to public service. She will fight hard to protect the economic future of our province for the families of Vancouver-Fraserview,” added Dhaliwal.

“I'm pleased to have helped recruit Suzanne to be our candidate,” added Riding President Jagdeep Sanghera. “As City Councillor and Park Board Commissioner from 2002 to 2011, she worked with local residents on important community issues in the Fraserview area. She has a proven track record with Fraserview voters.”

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Suzanne Anton - Biography

Suzanne Anton is a lawyer, mathematics teacher, community activist and a leader in Vancouver and British Columbia’s political landscape.

Suzanne connects with people across the country, the province and in her community. She listens closely, engages with passion, and gets results.

Suzanne is a hands-on politician and problem-solver. Her concerns are the real-life issues of her constituents and the province. At the same time she has deep experience in the leadership, management and financial operations of some of BC’s largest organizations.

Her political leadership includes serving six years as a Vancouver city councillor and three years as a Vancouver Park Board commissioner.

Anton is a director of the BC Pavilion Corp, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. She is a past director of Translink, Metro Vancouver, The Federation of BC Municipalities, numerous sport and community organizations, and is a co-founder of MoreSports.org.

Suzanne has a long history with the Fraserview area:

• Supported skating rink at Killarney, built for 2010
• Worked on EastFraser Lands development (now Riverwalk), including advocacy for sports facilities and parks
• Helped Sunset centre get $9 million to build the new community centre
• Helped South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
• Long-standing support for a new South Vancouver seniors centre
• Plants trees at Everett Crawley park every year on Earth Day

March 12, 2013

Delta – While the NDP oppose the George Massey Tunnel project, faced with negative reaction, NDP Transportation Critic Harry Bains scrambled to say anything to limit the damage that their position does to the NDP in Delta.

In January, Delta North NDP candidate Sylvia Bishop told a local radio station that she isn’t convinced a new crossing is necessary, saying the traffic issues could be fixed by simply painting the tunnel.

Last week, Adrian Dix publicly opposed the government’s plan, telling reporters the NDP would not move forward with the George Massey Tunnel project.

This triggered a negative reaction from Delta residents, who face daily delays and know firsthand the tunnel needs to be replaced. Yesterday, NDP Transportation Critic Harry Bains wilted under pressure, saying the government's proposal is "a good start."

"The NDP will not replace the George Massey Tunnel – we know this because they said so," said Bruce McDonald, Today's BC Liberal candidate for Delta South. "They're waffling on a major infrastructure project based upon a few days of bad press. Delta residents know better than to fall for this."

"The BC Liberal government is doing what's required to move the George Massey Tunnel replacement forward," added Scott Hamilton, Today's BC Liberal candidate for Delta North. "The NDP simply aren’t credible on this issue that is so important for voters here in Delta."

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

March 11, 2013

Vancouver - The April 8th, 2013 Vancouver Premier’s Dinner will be co-chaired by three prominent business leaders: Christine Day, CEO of lululemon; Richard Jaffray, founder of Cactus Restaurants Ltd.; and Bob Rennie, Director of Rennie Marketing Systems.

“I’m pleased that Christine, Richard and Bob have agreed to co-chair the dinner this year,” said Premier Christy Clark. “I know that their combined energy and drive will help make the event a record success. I’m looking forward to engaging with our attendees and am excited for them to meet Today's BC Liberal team.”

The 2012 Vancouver Premier’s Dinner was the most successful in the Party’s history, but this year’s co-chairs are confident they will break new ground.

“With the dinner just one week prior to the official start of the election, we are determined to ensure that the event serves as a strong kick-off to the campaign, and demonstrates the broad community support Premier Clark has established during her tenure,” stated Day.

“It’s an opportunity for us as co-chairs and the business community more broadly to step up and show support for the Party that represents free enterprise values and focuses on creating jobs,” added Rennie. “Today’s BC Liberals have their priorities in order, they want to grow the economy so all British Columbians can enjoy a more secure future.”

“Our goal is to make the dinner the most successful in our Party’s history, both financially and as a means of engaging all those that attend to get active in the election campaign,” concluded Jaffray.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

March 8, 2013

Delta – The BC Liberal government is listening to residents and industry workers who face daily delays, and is proceeding to Phase 2 of the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project next week.

Asked if he would replace the Massey Tunnel, Adrian Dix refused to support the replacement.

“Projects of this scope don’t just happen – planning ahead is the key to success. The Port Mann Bridge took ten years from planning to completion,” said Mary Polak, MLA for Langley and Minister of Transportation. “That’s why we’ve started work to replace the Massey Tunnel today.”

The BC Liberal Government has overseen the successful construction of the Canada Line, the Port Mann Bridge, the North Fraser Perimeter Road, and many other major infrastructure projects across the province.

“Adrian Dix and the NDP simply don’t understand what it takes to deliver major projects and investments on time and under budget,” said Bruce McDonald, Today’s BC Liberal candidate for Delta South. “They don’t know how, because they’ve never done it before.”

The NDP made numerous promises in the 1990s that were never kept, such as the Port Mann Bridge, the William R. Bennett Bridge and the Evergreen Line. Instead of planning for the future, investment in rehabilitating roads and bridges was substantially cut. A decade of neglect left B.C. with deteriorating infrastructure that impacted public safety and undermined the economy.

“Not only did they leave the provincial infrastructure in disarray, but they continue to oppose investments in projects that support and benefit families across B.C. to this day,” said Scott Hamilton, Today’s BC Liberal candidate for Delta North.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

March 9th, 2013

Chilliwack – With only 38 days until the start of the election period, Adrian Dix and the BC NDP continue to keep British Columbians in the dark about their plans.

“Elections are supposed to be a competition of ideas,” said John Les, MLA for Chilliwack. “But Adrian Dix and the NDP haven’t bothered to share their plan.”

“Under Premier Christy Clark, we’ve shared our vision for the future. Adrian Dix seems to think it’s more important to announce his potential staff than to tell British Columbians where he stands.”

The facts suggest Adrian Dix's silence is unusual.

• When in opposition, the BC Liberals released specific plans for public scrutiny well before the 1996 and 2001 elections.
• The Green Party of BC currently has a 33 page living document called the Green Book 2013.
• The BC Conservative Party has just released the framework for their platform.

“Even former BC NDP Leader Carole James shared her plans well before the 2009 election,” added John Martin, Today's BC Liberal candidate for Chilliwack.

“Silence isn’t leadership. Making British Columbians guess isn’t leadership. It’s well past time for Adrian Dix to tell British Columbians what he wants to do with their tax dollars," concluded Martin.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

March 6, 2013

Delta – Delta residents who struggle with delays crossing the George Massey Tunnel have a choice to make. On one side, a legacy of significant investments in transportation and infrastructure projects across the province. On the other, a new coat of paint.

“Premier Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals have a bold vision for the future – one that includes making vital investments in our province’s infrastructure,” said Bruce McDonald, Today’s BC Liberal candidate for Delta South. “One of the reasons I chose to step forward is that her vision includes a plan to fix the biggest bottleneck my community faces every day – the Massey Tunnel.”

When asked about replacing the George Massey Tunnel, Sylvia Bishop, BC NDP candidate for Delta North, suggested to simply paint it.

“People who live south of the Fraser understand this serious problem won’t be solved with a shiny coat of paint,” McDonald continued. “They deserve better than that.”

Adrian Dix and the NDP have voted against every investment the BC Liberals have made towards infrastructure in British Columbia.

“If they can’t even support vital investments like the Canada Line, what would they support? Where’s their plan?” asked Scott Hamilton, Today’s BC Liberal Candidate for Delta North.

Today’s BC Liberals have invested $15.2 billion in transportation capital since 2001. These vital transportation and infrastructure projects ensure goods can move to market and that jobs can be created to support families in every part of British Columbia.

“I’m proud of the BC Liberal record on transportation and infrastructure investments. British Columbians can’t say the same about Adrian Dix and the NDP,” concluded Hamilton.

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Background:

Today’s BC Liberals recognize that the George Massey Tunnel is a bottleneck for the 80,000 people who cross it each day. That’s why our government has begun planning and project development to establish a concept and scope for its replacement.

Adrian Dix and the NDP:

“I’m not so convinced that the answer is a brand new crossing. I think there are things we can do in the meantime to improve the traffic flow… Things that could be done to improve traffic flow is painting the inside of the George Massey Tunnel to make it brighter. Studies show that when the interiors of tunnels are bright, whether they’re painted and better lit, people continue to drive faster. Right now everybody slows down when they go through the tunnel and that causes the backup.” Sylvia Bishop, BC NDP candidate for Delta North, Shere Punjab, Jan 7/13

March 5, 2013

Sidney – Today’s BC Liberals have announced that two candidates will compete for the Party’s nomination in Saanich North & The Islands.

Stephen Chang, a small business owner in the construction industry, and Stephen Roberts, a former Chief Operating Officer and investment researcher with a number of international banks, will square off for the nomination on March 16th and 17th.

Stephen Chang is a lifelong resident of the Saanich area, attending Camosun College and the University of Victoria, and wants to support Premier Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals.

“B.C. has a tremendous opportunity before it,” said Chang. “The Premier has a bold vision for the future of our province, and I’m behind her 100%.”

Stephen Roberts currently serves on the board of directors of the Vancouver Hospice Society and is the Executive Director of a listed biotech start-up.

“I’m proud to put my name forward as a candidate for Today’s BC Liberals,” said Roberts. “The BC Liberal government deserves credit for helping keep B.C. on stable economic ground during a difficult financial crisis that hit the world.”

The nomination meeting will take place over two days, March 16th at the Ganges All Saints by the Sea Anglican Church (110 Park Drive, Ganges) on Salt Spring Island and March 17th at the Saanich Fair Grounds (1528 Stellys Road) in Saanichton.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Stephen Chang - Biography

Stephen Chang is a life-long Saanich resident. Stephen is proud to be a product of the excellent local education system, having attended Pacific Christian High School, Camosun College and the University of Victoria, studying both business administration and science.

Stephen is the father of two boys (Christopher, 11; Tristan, 6), and is deeply thankful they're growing up in such a great community. He and his wife Astrid feel blessed to have such an amazing family.

Stephen worked in federal politics from 1999-2002 providing advice and counsel to the Hon. David Anderson, Minister of Environment, particularly on issues related to Vancouver Island. He is proud of his work, particularly having helped secure funding for the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. After that, Stephen worked for his family's architecture firm in Saanichton as a project manager, but ultimately found he loved building things as much as he loved designing them. That’s why Stephen started his own business, Steve Chang Construction. His company focuses on residential and commercial contracting services and he focuses on collaborating with property owners to achieve custom results. 

Stephen tries to give back to his community when he can, and encourages his family to do the same. He and his family support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, which works closely with the community to raise funds for patient care equipment needs and special projects at the Royal Jubilee and the Victoria General, the Canadian Cancer Society’s Tour de Rock, which raises money for pediatric cancer research and programs for children with a history of cancer, and the Peninsula Streams Society, which helps coordinate stream restoration and habitat conservation on the Saanich Peninsula.

Stephen is an avid outdoorsman. He loves to fish, camp and boat. His family has owned a home on Piers Island for decades and he has lived there off and on - as much as possible.

Stephen Roberts - Biography

Recently retired from a career as COO in the investment research divisions of international banks, including Merrill Lynch and Citibank, Stephen is eager to give back and contribute meaningfully to his community full time. His work took him around the globe managing people in a multitude of offices, substantial budgets, technology projects, legal and compliance oversight, and the complex relationship between investment banking and investment research, but his heart has always been here at home.

Having worked in finance in Asia, New York, Toronto, and London, and with an Honours Degree in Economics and Political Science, Stephen hopes to bring his international business acumen and experience to the political arena in British Columbia. He continues to be profoundly interested in the importance of the free-enterprise system to economic well-being for everyone, while at the same time believing it is imperative to have a sound economic model that is sensitive to and protective of our environment, and inclusive of everyone in our society.

Stephen is currently on the board of directors of the Vancouver Hospice Society, and serves as an executive director on the board of a listed biotech start-up. He has a keen interest in local agriculture, food and art, including First Nations art, of which he is a collector, and believes it is critical that we support our local communities and businesses.

Born in Sidney's Rest Haven Hospital, Stephen spent his childhood on Saltspring Island where he attended Saltspring Elementary. His mother was a nurse at Lady Minto and his father worked on the Long Harbour ferry. His family moved to Kamloops when he was a teenager and he attended high school there before pursuing his degree in the UK.

He is at home once again on Saltspring Island.

March 1, 2013

Surrey – Today’s BC Liberals have announced that 23-year Surrey City Councillor Marvin Hunt will run for the Party in Surrey-Panorama.

“The next election is critically important for B.C.’s future,” said Hunt. “I’m running for Today’s BC Liberals to make sure we keep B.C. on the right track under the leadership of Premier Christy Clark.”

Marvin Hunt was first elected to Surrey City Council in 1988, and has lived in Surrey for 30 years. He also sits on the Board of Directors at Metro Vancouver.

“Surrey is a growing community that needs a government focused on growing our economy, not growing the size of government,” added Hunt. “Today’s BC Liberals have a strong record of prudent fiscal management that will help build a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

Hunt believes people have a clear choice in the next election.

“The choice is clear – we can move forward with balanced budgets and a BC Liberal government focused on jobs, or we can move backwards to deficits, higher debt and uncontrolled spending,” added Hunt.

Premier Christy Clark welcomed Hunt as a candidate in Surrey.

“Marvin is the latest in a great group of candidates running to provide strong representation for Surrey,” said Premier Christy Clark.

Former BC Conservative Riding President Allison Patton had considered running for Today’s BC Liberals in Panorama, but dropped out to support Marvin Hunt.

“Marvin is a tremendous candidate to represent Today’s BC Liberals, and I’m proud to support him in Surrey-Panorama,” concluded Patton.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Marvin Hunt - Biography

March 1, 2013

Pitt Meadows – Pitt Meadows City Councillor Doug Bing will be the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows candidate for Today’s BC Liberals in May 2013.

“I’m running for Today’s BC Liberals because I believe that we have a bright future under the leadership of Premier Christy Clark,” said Bing. “British Columbia has a huge opportunity to move forward and ensure we leave this province better off for future generations.”

Dr. Bing has lived in Pitt Meadows for 33 years, and was first elected to council in 2005 (re-elected in 2008 and 2011). He and his wife established the first dental practice in Pitt Meadows in 1980.

“Under the Premier’s leadership, B.C. has a balanced budget,” added Bing. “While our team believes it is important that government does not spend more money than it receives, our opponents have already said they would put B.C. back into deficits.”

“There is a clear choice in the next election – balanced budgets and a team committed to growing the economy with Today’s BC Liberals, or more debt, more deficits and a team committed to growing the size of government with the BC NDP,” concluded Bing.

Today's BC Liberals continue to recruit strong candidates across the province. Yesterday, the Party announced former RCMP Superintendent Mike Morris will carry the Party's banner in Prince George-Mackenzie, and earlier today it was announced that longtime Surrey City Councillor Marvin Hunt will run for the Party in Surrey-Panorama.

Dr. Bing will be nominated on March 9^th at the Sunwood Senior Living Community.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Doug Bing - Biography

Born and raised in Vancouver, Dr. Doug Bing attended the University of British Columbia, earning Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees.  It was at UBC that he met his future wife and partner, Dr. Helen Henderson.  For the past 33 years, he and his wife Helen have been proud to call Pitt Meadows home. They are passionate about their community and can’t think of a better place to have raised their three sons.  They established Pitt Meadows’ first dental practice in 1980 and have been providing dental care to thousands of people from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows ever since.  Doug’s passion for helping people carries over to his politics which is all about public service and giving back to the community.

His interest in politics started early when he successfully ran for Student Council president in high school, continued at university where he served as a student representative on the UBC Senate, and carried on to his professional life where he served on committees and the council of the College of Dental Surgeons of BC.

Doug is a recognized community leader in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and is in his third term serving as a City Councillor in Pitt Meadows.  He was first elected in 2005, and was re-elected in 2008 and 2011.  Doug topped the polls in all three elections, something in which he takes a great deal of pride.

In addition to his regular Council duties, Doug serves his community as a member of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parks and Leisure Services Commission, the Fraser Valley Regional Library board, the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Youth Centre Society, the City of Pitt Meadows Green Leadership Team, the Ridge-Meadows Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues, and the Chamber of Commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

As a health care professional, Doug has a first-hand knowledge and perspective on the myriad problems facing health care.  His formal education has given him an interest in the problems we face in education, research and technology.  Doug has a real interest in the environment and sustainable practices.  As a dentist running his own practice, he is interested in the problems facing small business.

Doug envisions a stable, prosperous and diverse community of people living in “the best place on earth.”  He maintains that we have a moral obligation to our children to leave our province in better shape than we found it, both environmentally and socially.  He would like to help build a neighbourly society where every citizen feels respected and a part of the greater community.

Doug enjoys gardening, tennis, hiking and just being outdoors.  He loves to travel and is a keen photographer who owns an assortment of video and still cameras.

February 28, 2013

Prince George – Today’s BC Liberals have announced that retired RCMP Superintendent Mike Morris has been acclaimed as the Party’s candidate in Prince George-Mackenzie. The deadline for nominations passed at 5PM Thursday.

“I’m proud to stand with Today’s BC Liberals under Premier Christy Clark’s leadership,” said Morris. “Our Premier has a bold plan for B.C.’s future, and she has brought renewal to our Party and government.”

Morris retired from the RCMP in 2005, and is currently the President of the BC Trappers Association.

“The key issue in the next election will be the economy, and which Party has a better plan to keep B.C. on stable ground,” added Morris. “Today’s BC Liberals have a strong record of prudent fiscal management that has allowed B.C. to be one of only two provinces with a balanced budget.”

Morris will step in for retiring MLA Pat Bell, who has been a strong representative for Prince George-Mackenzie since 2001.

“Mike is a hard working, passionate community representative – he is exactly the type of leader that this riding needs,” said MLA Pat Bell.

“I look forward to working with Mike to deliver results for Prince George and the North, just as Pat and I have done since 2001,” added Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount.

“Pat’s shoes will be hard to fill, but I’m confident that I have the leadership abilities to be a strong representative for Prince George-Mackenzie,” concluded Morris.

Prince George BC Liberals are holding a sold-out 850 person fundraiser with Premier Christy Clark on Friday evening at the Prince George Civic Centre.

Morris will be formally nominated on March 8^th and 9^th at meetings in Mackenzie and Prince George.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Mike Morris - Biography

Mike Morris retired from the RCMP in 2005 after a career spanning 32 years, to pursue a business opportunity in back country adventure tourism.  He has always had a passion for the ‘great outdoors’, and has been a professional trapper and owner of a registered trapline for the past 30 years.  Mike is currently the President of the BC Trappers Association representing over 800 trappers in BC.  His vision includes a healthy, vibrant trapping industry that co-exists with the forestry, mining and other resource industries.

Mike ended his career with the RCMP having served as Superintendent of the North District from 1998-2005.   The RCMP North District encompasses the area from 100 Mile House to the Yukon border and from Valemount to Haida Qwaii.  The region includes large municipal detachments and small remote aboriginal communities. As Superintendent for the North District, Mike was responsible for 32 RCMP detachments and 1100 personnel. Mike worked well with external agency representatives developing a more collaborative approach to community-policing and other special programs allowing officers to work closer with community agencies, businesses and the communities themselves.   .

Since 2008, Mike has been an adjudicator and mediator with the Health Professions Review Board and has served on the Drug Benefit Council for British Columbia since 2009.

Mike feels strongly that British Columbia needs to promote every industry and help support every job possible to further develop a diversified and healthy economy.  This includes supporting historical industries such as trapping, agriculture, forestry, tourism and guide-outfitting, all of which have helped sustain BC communities for decades.  Mike will also advocate for continued development of the mining and energy industries which have enjoyed a renewed period of growth over the past decade under the leadership of the BC Liberal party.

He is the past President of the Prince George-Mackenzie BC Liberal riding association from 2008 to 2013.  Mike was born in Quesnel, BC, started his RCMP career in Prince George in 1973 and has called Prince George home since 1996. Mike has been married to Chris for 35 years, has two married sons and  four grandchildren with a fifth on the way.

February 22, 2013

Surrey – Today’s BC Liberals have announced that Radio Punjab talk show host and local realtor Kuljeet Kaur will be the Party’s candidate in Surrey-Whalley.

“I am actively involved in the Surrey community, and I want to help Premier Christy Clark build on her positive vision for Surrey and British Columbia,” said Kuljeet Kaur. “Today’s BC Liberals continue to impress me with the quality of their candidates, and their bold plans for a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

Kuljeet Kaur is the former Vice President of the Punjabi Press Club of BC, the Vice President of Oriental Language Services Society, and has lived and raised her son in Surrey for the last 18 years.

“We have an outstanding team of new candidates in Surrey to compliment MLAs Stephanie Cadieux and Gordon Hogg,” added Kuljeet Kaur. “I am looking forward to working with Stephanie and Gordon as well as new candidates Peter Fassbender, Amrik Virk and Sukhminder Virk to ensure Surrey is well represented by Today’s BC Liberals.”

Earlier in the week Today’s BC Liberals announced that Amrik Virk will run in Surrey-Tynehead and Gurjit Dhillon will run in Vancouver-Kingsway.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Kuljeet Kaur - Biography

Kuljeet Kaur is an on air talk show host with Surrey-based Radio Punjab which broadcasts internationally to the South Asian community. In addition to her broadcasting career, she has also acted as a local realtor since 1994. Kuljeet has resided in Surrey for the last 18 years, and has established herself as an outstanding community contributor.

She is the former Vice President of the Punjabi Press Club of BC, and a Director with Oriental Languages. Kuljeet has been a volunteer as an interpreter at the Surrey Memorial Hospital and was recognised by the BC Provincial Health Services Authority for her assistance on the translation of the BC Health Guide.  As a broadcaster, she has participated in numerous fundraising activities and received an award from the Canadian Cancer Society for her work on their successful radiothon. She has also worked with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation with the Self-Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society (S.E.E.D.S.).

Kuljeet has been awarded by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) for her outstanding community involvement and is a strong advocate for female empowerment within the South Asian community as well as on local child and family issues. She is especially proud of her success in helping new immigrants adjust to living in Canadian society.

Educated in India, Kuljeet holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Fine Arts, as well as a Masters in Art History. She has one son who was born and raised in Surrey.

February 21, 2013

Burnaby – Today’s BC Liberals have announced that family physician Dr. Shian Gu and businessman and education consultant Jeff Kuah will represent the Party in Burnaby-Deer Lake and Burnaby-Edmonds for the 2013 election.

Dr. Shian Gu (candidate in Burnaby-Deer Lake) is a well-known and respected family physician and the Acting Director of the Burnaby Medical Centre of British Columbia. He has been practicing medicine in Burnaby for 14 years, and is the founding president of the Bethune Baiqiuen Canadian Alliance.

“Premier Christy Clark and Today’s BC Liberals have made the tough decisions needed to build a better future for our children and grandchildren,” said Gu. “B.C. is one of only two provinces with a balanced budget, and that is something I am proud to support.”

Dr. Gu is also a frequent media commentator on health and wellness issues.

Jeff Kuah (candidate in Burnaby-Edmonds) is a former academic advisor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and has an educational background in Business Management, Political Science and Sociology.

Kuah believes Today's BC Liberals have the province on the right track.

“Running for Today’s BC Liberals was a no brainer for me,” said Kuah. “The Premier and her team know how important a strong economy is to ensure families have a bright future.”

Kuah has five children and speaks five different languages.

Dr. Gu and Kuah will be nominated at a joint meeting on March 4th at the Bonsor Community Centre in Burnaby.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Dr. Shian Gu - Biography

Dr. Shian Gu graduated from Tianjin Medical University in 1980 and received a Masters degree in Internal Medicine in 1986. He also did graduate studies in Clinical Experimental Medicine at the University of British Columbia, Canada from 1993-1995. He successfully completed the rotating internship and residence training in Canada in 1998. He is an active member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC and the members of Canadian Medical Associations as well as Medical Association of BC.

Dr. Gu is the Acting Director of the Burnaby Medical Center of British Columbia. He has been practicing family medicine in Burnaby for 14 years.

Dr. Gu is a former a research associate in the Cardiology Dept of Health Science Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the member of the Council of American Cardio-pulmonary Medicine, the Member of Canadian Cardiovascular Association. Dr. Gu is a visiting professor of the Tianjin Medical University in China.

Dr. Gu is also the President of the Chinese Canadian Health Alliance, the Honorary President of Tianjin Association of Canada, a former Board Director of SUCCES, and a former Board Director of the Chinese Canadian Medical Society.

He has published more than 30 scientific papers in the core medical journals in English and Chinese and has been a guest speaker at many national and international medical conferences.

Dr. Gu is the founding president of Bethune Baiqiuen Canadian Alliance (BBCA). BBCA is a federally and provincially registered, non-political, non-religious and not for profit organization to promote humanitarian causes and aid to under-serviced and underprivileged local and remote areas in China and Canada. The BBCA recognize and continue the humanitarian contribution and legacy of Dr. Norman Bethune.

Dr. Gu serves the Chinese community in the Lower Mainland with a warm heart. He has quite often written articles or comments in local Chinese newspapers on health and wellness issues. He is also a guest anchor on local Chinese TV and radio stations and hosts a popular TV program on Chinese TV which broadcasts across all major Canadian cities.

Jeff Kuah - Biography

Jeff Kuah has had a distinguished career in high school counselling and university advising.  He is a businessman and educator specializing in BC secondary school student recruitment overseas.  Kuah was born in Malaysia and is of Chinese heritage. He has first-hand experience in both Eastern and the Western societies.

He has lived in Canada for 19 years and has been a resident of Burnaby-Edmonds for the past three years, where his children are enrolled in the Burnaby school system.  He is active in promoting safety and is a recognized figure among students in the community.

He obtained his tertiary education in Management, Politics and Sociology from the University of Lethbridge, Alberta and Simon Fraser University, British Columbia.

Jeff served as a student representative on the General Faculty Council for two consecutive terms and was an elected Student Union councillor at the University of Lethbridge. He continued to work on behalf of students and immigrants in communities in Vancouver and Burnaby to better their communication with all levels of government.  Presently, Jeff is an active contributor to municipal and provincial political parties.

Jeff has 5 children and also speaks 5 different languages.

February 21, 2013

Surrey – RCMP Inspector Amrik Virk will be Today’s BC Liberal candidate in Surrey-Tynehead, the Party has announced today.

Virk, who first joined the RCMP in 1987, was commissioned to the rank of Inspector in 2001, and has been active in youth and gang violence prevention throughout the Lower Mainland throughout his career.

“Today’s BC Liberals led by Premier Christy Clark are the right choice to keep British Columbia on stable economic ground,” said Virk. “Surrey is a growing community, and people here want a government that shares their concerns about jobs, safety and family affordability.”

Virk is the recipient of the RCMP Long Service Medal, The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal and the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

“This government has an outstanding record on crime prevention, and combating youth and gang violence,” added Virk. “On top of that, on Tuesday the government balanced the provincial budget and made B.C. one of only two provinces with balanced books.”

Virk also spent six years on the Board of Directors of the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation, and is the Vice Chairman of the Board at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Amrik Virk - Biography

Inspector Amrik S. Virk was born in India and arrived in Williams Lake, B.C. at the young age of five years. After the completion of a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Economics and History at Simon Fraser University he joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1987. Upon completion of training, he was posted to a number of cities and towns in Alberta where he performed a variety of policing duties with a substantial portion of his experience coming from the work he did with various First Nations communities.

In 2001 he was commissioned to the rank of Inspector and posted to Surrey, B.C.  Between 2001 and 2006 he was responsible for providing executive leadership to a wide variety of policing units, including overseeing five Community Policing Offices, the Youth Unit, Diversity, Auxiliary Policing and all Community Policing functions. Inspector Virk has been active in the issue of youth and gang violence in communities throughout the Lower Mainland and worked extensively with community leaders to help create the British Columbia Integrated Gang Task force.

He has lectured across Canada on his police experiences and was a Board Director with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police ‘’Law Enforcement/Aboriginal and Diversity ‘’ committee.   He left Surrey RCMP in 2006 while serving as the acting Officer in Charge of Operations (one of two Deputy Chief equivalents) and transferred to Langley as the Officer in Charge of Operations. He is also a member of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police.

During his  RCMP service, Inspector Virk has worked in several provinces, has served as a Marksman/Sniper for Emergency Response Teams, been a recipient of the RCMP Long Service Medal, The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal and the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.

Inspector Virk is the consummate community volunteer and in the six years he spent on the Board of Directors of the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation, provided hands on guidance in raising millions of dollars for enhancing health care for Surrey residents. He assisted Simon Fraser University Surrey campus in the ‘’ Community engagement Board’’ and has served for the last five years on the Board of Governors of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He is currently the Chair of the Human Resources Committee and the Vice Chairperson of the Board

Inspector Virk has a black belt in Karate, exercises slowly and golf’s poorly. He has lived in Surrey for the last 11 years with his wife Jatinder and their three daughters. Inspector Virk, in keeping with his commitment to community, has taken a leave without pay from the RCMP to serve the citizens of Surrey once again.

February 20, 2013

Vancouver – Sam Sullivan has won the nomination to represent Today’s BC Liberals in Vancouver-False Creek, the Party has announced tonight.

Sullivan is the former Mayor of Vancouver and the founder of the Global Civic Policy Society.

“It’s a very exciting time to be a part of Today’s BC Liberals,” said Sullivan. “We have a strong leader, a bold plan for B.C., and momentum on our side.”

Sullivan is ready to get to work to fight for jobs and B.C.’s economy.

“The election is less than 90 days away, and it will be the most important election in many years,” added Sullivan. “The choice is clear: stronger economy, balanced budgets and a more affordable life for your family with Today’s BC Liberals, or higher taxes, bigger government and more debt with the NDP.”

Sullivan thanked his nomination competitors, Lorne Mayencourt and Brian Fixter, for participating in this momentum building race.

“It isn’t easy to put your life on hold for a few months to run for a nomination, and anyone who does that in the hopes of serving the public deserves our thanks,” concluded Sullivan.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Sam Sullivan - Biography

Sam Sullivan is a Member of the Order of Canada. He served as Mayor of Vancouver from 2005 to 2008. Prior to that he served as a Vancouver City Councillor from 1993 to 2002.

Sam is the founder of the Global Civic Policy Society. The Society holds Public Salons at which presenters speak on a broad range of topics. The Society also initiated the Greeting Fluency program which has a smart phone app that serves as a resource for greetings in 20 different languages. The goal of the Society is to encourage a more knowledgeable and cosmopolitan citizenry with a strong connection to their community.

Sam currently acts as an Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. He organized the 2012 Vancouver Urban Forum which featured 23 urban thinkers from around North America.

As Mayor, Sam was recognized for his efforts to prepare the city for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and was appointed Canadian Paralympic Ambassador by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

February 19, 2013

Vancouver – Today’s BC Liberals have announced that Federal Public Servant Gurjit Dhillon will be the Party’s candidate in Vancouver-Kingsway.

“This is an important election for British Columbia, and there is a clear choice for voters,” said Dhillon. “Premier Christy Clark has a bold vision for the future of our province, and I’m proud to join her team.”

Dhillon is fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, and is a volunteer with SUCCESS and Vancouver Arts Umbrella.

“Over the past few months, we’ve seen a number of strong candidates join Today’s BC Liberals across B.C.,” added Dhillon. “I’ve been inspired by the quality team of candidates that the Premier has recruited to run for her. It shows me that she is the type of leader that strong individuals are excited to work for.”

Dhillon will run against NDP leader Adrian Dix.

"We can move forward towards a bigger economy with more jobs and more opportunities for families under Premier Christy Clark. Or, we can slide backwards to bigger government, more taxes and more debt under Adrian Dix and the BC NDP. To me, the choice is clear,” concluded Dhillon.

Dhillon will be nominated tonight at the Renfrew Park Community Centre.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Gurjit Dhillon - Biography

Gurjit, the daughter of immigrant parents, was born and raised in Terrace, British Columbia.

After completing secondary school she moved to Vancouver, where she completed her studies at Vancouver College in Health Studies.

She began her career in the hotel industry while studying and on completion began her career in health services with Vancouver General Hospital. For the past seven years, Gurjit has worked in the Federal Public Service.

Along with her husband Steve of 14 years, she balances her career with her family as the mother of two children, aged 11 and 7. This allows her unique perspectives on the everyday issues and challenges which families face in areas such as childcare, transportation, housing costs, and education.

Gurjit enjoys volunteering for many children’s school activities and sports.  Gurjit is also fluent in Punjabi and Hindi which helps her to be actively involved in the Indo-Canadian community.  She also volunteers with SUCCESS and Vancouver Arts Umbrella.

February 18, 2013

Nelson – Today’s BC Liberals have announced that Greg Garbula will represent the Party in Nelson-Creston for the 2013 election.

Garbula, the former Vice President and General Manager of the Kokanee Springs Golf Resort, will go toe-to-toe with NDP candidate Michelle Mungall. Garbula believes communities across the region area are looking for new leadership in the riding.

“Our riding needs an MLA who will help grow our local economy,” said Garbula. “We don’t need an MLA that stands on the sidelines – we need someone who will dig in and fight for a stronger economy.”

Garbula is the Past President of the Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce, and also sits on a number of local boards including as a Director of the Kootenay Rockies Tourist Association and the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee.

Garbula is impressed with the renewal taking place with Today’s BC Liberals.

“Under Premier Christy Clark, B.C. is headed in the right direction,” added Garbula. “The recently announced B.C. Prosperity Fund is exactly the type of leadership that we need in this province.”

Garbula will be nominated at the New Grand Hotel tonight in Nelson. The meeting gets underway at 7pm.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Greg Garbula - Biography

Greg Garbula is the former Vice President and General Manager of the Kokanee Spring Golf Resort. Greg has a Business Administration Diploma as well as having taken many courses to further develop his managerial skills. As the General Manager of the Kokanee Spring Golf Resort for the the last 11 years, Greg has kept the resort on strong financial footing.

Greg also sits on the board of Directors of the Kootenay Rockies Tourist Association, the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, and is the Past President of the Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Greg brings 17 years of hospitality experience from some of the finest resorts in Western Canada. Starting from the bottom and and working his way up the ladder, Greg has worked at resorts such as Fairmont's Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Springs Hotel, as well as the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Delta's The Lodge at Kananaskis and the renowned Emerald Lake Lodge.

February 17, 2013

Vancouver – Andrew Wilkinson has won the nomination to represent Today’s BC Liberals in Vancouver-Quilchena, the Party has announced tonight.

“I’m looking forward to working with Premier Christy Clark to ensure we keep B.C. on the right track in May,” said Wilkinson. “The Premier has laid out a bold vision for British Columbia, and I’m excited to help her make it happen.”

Wilkinson is a lawyer, licensed physician, and a former Deputy Minister of the British Columbia Ministry of Economic Development, where he had responsibility for economic issues, trade and tourism.

“The next election is a clear choice for British Columbians,” added Wilkinson. “Today’s BC Liberals have a renewed team, a strong leader, and momentum on our side."

Wilkinson thanked competitor Suzanne Anton for making the nomination a hard fought but respectful race.

“Suzanne has given a lot to our community, and I’m sure she will continue to be a big part of the overall team,” concluded Wilkinson.

Wilkinson joins the renewed team of candidates for Today's BC Liberals including Jordan Sturdy (West Vancouver-Sea to Sky) and Peter Fassbender (Surrey-Fleetwood) who were announced earlier in the week.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Andrew Wilkinson - Biography

Andrew Wilkinson works as a partner in the Vancouver offices of a major national law firm, where he has a special interest in green renewable energy development.

Prior to being called to the bar, Andrew was educated and licensed as a physician. He lived and worked as a doctor in Campbell River, Lillooet, and Dease Lake.

Andrew was born in Australia and immigrated to Canada at age four. He grew up in Kamloops, B.C. and graduated in medicine from the University of Alberta in 1984. He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1980 and took his first law degree at Oxford University. He received his LLB from Dalhousie in 1987 and was called to the British Columbia bar in 1988. He has been licensed as a medical doctor since 1985.

He is a former Deputy Minister of the British Columbia Ministry of Economic Development, where he had responsibility for economic issues, trade and tourism. He also served as Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental Relations in the Premier’s Office for two years.

He is currently President of the Vancouver Institute, and also served as President of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, President of the B.C. Mountaineering Club, and President of the BC Liberal Party.

Andrew Wilkinson is married with three children.

February 16, 2013

Squamish – Pemberton Mayor Jordan Sturdy has won the nomination to represent Today’s BC Liberals in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.

“We are only a few months away from the most important election in years,” said Sturdy. “Today’s BC Liberals are building momentum, and I’m excited to join their renewed team.”

Sturdy is a proven business and municipal leader. As Mayor, Sturdy has kept municipal taxes among the lowest in B.C., and as an entrepreneur, Sturdy helped pioneer the thriving local agri-tourism business North Arm Farm.

“I want to work with Premier Christy Clark to ensure that we maintain a strong, vibrant economy,” added Sturdy. “The Premier’s vision for our province is bold and visionary. I’m confident that under her leadership B.C. is heading in the right direction.”

The news that Jordan Sturdy had won the nomination came after voting concluded in Squamish on Saturday night. On Friday, a “travelling ballot box” visited West Vancouver, and also made stops in Pemberton and Whistler earlier Saturday.

Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, is turning over the BC Liberal candidacy after two terms in office.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Mayor Sturdy for a number of years," said McIntyre. "He is a strong leader and will be a strong advocate for our constituency."

Sturdy is the second Mayor to join Today’s BC Liberal team this week. On Friday, the Party announced that Mayor Peter Fassbender will be the Party’s candidate in Surrey-Fleetwood.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Jordan Sturdy - Biography

Jordan is a hard-working, entrepreneurial, self-starter who understands the full range of issues in the riding at the local, regional and provincial level with nearly 20 years of public service experience.  As a small business owner, farmer, recreation enthusiast, and experienced politician, Jordan can also relate to and communicate with a full range of individuals and cultures.

Jordan is currently the Mayor of Pemberton, a paramedic, and he and his wife own North Arm Farm, a productive farm which sells to high end restaurants in Whistler and Vancouver, and is a thriving agri-tourism attraction in its own right.

Jordan started as a local trustee for the Pemberton Valley Dyking District.  As Chair of that organization through the record flood of 2003, and since being elected mayor in 2005, and in many other leadership roles, he has gained experience in dealing with all aspects and roles, responsibilities, and requirements of an elected public servant.

Jordan grew up in Vancouver, attending Magee Secondary School, Vancouver Community College, and the University of British Columbia. He has lived in West Vancouver, and has lived in Pemberton since 1989.

February 16, 2013

Kamloops – Kamloops-South Thompson BC Liberal candidate Todd Stone is calling on Adrian Dix to release his plan for the upcoming election.

“Adrian Dix has announced who he would hire in the Premier’s Office - but not his plan for British Columbians,” said Stone. “He thinks announcing potential staff is more important than revealing his platform. He's taking voters for granted before the election has even happened."

"Kamloops deserves better.”

When asked by local reporters when he would reveal his plans, Mr. Dix dodged the question by saying, “We’ll be presenting our platform when we present it, but it will be, obviously, well before the election.”

Stone thinks Mr. Dix is simply trying to avoid proper scrutiny.

“The election will begin in just 60 days. Our Premier laid out her vision for British Columbia: exporting clean energy to Asia, creating 100,000 jobs, and establishing the BC Prosperity Fund to eliminate our debt."

"But Mr. Dix continues to offer little in the way of practical solutions to the things people in Kamloops care about.”

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Backgrounder:

Dix claims the BC Liberals did not release any plans before the 1996 and 2001 election campaigns, and also that he has released more information on his plan than any opposition leader in B.C. history, but the facts don’t back his position.

When in opposition, the BC Liberals released specific plans for public scrutiny well before the 1996 and 2001 elections.

• In 2000, the BC Liberals released a 67-point pre-campaign document that laid out their plan over a year before the election.
• In 1996, the BC Liberals had a 16-page document called “The Courage to Change”, released three months before the election.
• The Green Party of BC has a living document called the Green Book 2013 which is periodically updated as new policy is adopted. The document is already 33 pages in length.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Surrey – Three-term Mayor Peter Fassbender will be Today’s BC Liberal candidate in Surrey-Fleetwood, the Party has announced today.

Fassbender, who was raised in Surrey, has been a champion for issues important to communities South of the Fraser since entering public office in 2002.

“As a Mayor, and a representative on a number of local boards and associations, I have always fought to ensure that communities South of the Fraser are well-represented,” said Fassbender. “Whether I’m standing up for critical transportation infrastructure like the new Port Mann Bridge, or for a stronger economy that helps families secure good paying jobs.”

Fassbender is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and is the co-chair of the Fraser Health Municipal Advisory Council and the former Chair of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Premier Christy Clark’s outstanding team of candidates,” said Fassbender. “The Premier has defied her critics and shown that she is an outstanding leader capable of making tough decisions and putting together a top-tier team.”

Surrey City Councillor Barbara Steele believes Fassbender is the right man for the job. “Peter Fassbender is a tireless champion for people and communities South of the Fraser," said Steele. "He would be an excellent representative for Surrey.”

Fassbender will be officially nominated on February 24^th at Eaglequest Coyote Creek Golf Course.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Peter Fassbender - Biography

Peter Fassbender was elected for the first time as a Councillor to City of Langley Council in November 2002 and then as Mayor in the November 2005, 2008 and 2011 Civic elections.  Prior to his election Mayor Fassbender has served the community and region in a host of other volunteer capacities and served on numerous national, provincial and civic committees. Mayor Fassbender has been recognized as a leader in his community and the region and was recently awarded a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (nominated for three separate medals), two prestigious awards by the British Columbia Library Trustee Association for his leadership in that area.

Currently and during his tenure on council, Mayor Fassbender serves on most civic Committees and boards including some of the following:

• Chair BC Pavilion Corporation Board of Directors
• Member of Board of Directors Prime BC
• Member of World Vision Board of Directors and Chair of the Governance Committee
• Former Chair, Fraser Valley Regional Library Board
• Co- Chair RCMP/Mayors Consultative Forum
• Co-Chair Fraser Health Municipal Advisory Council
• Co-Chair Local Government Contract Management Committee (RCMP Contract)
• Member of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Contact Management Committee
• Former Chair, Vice Chair and current member Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation
• Metro Vancouver Board Alternate
• Member Metro Vancouver Transportation Committee
• Member Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Affairs Committee
• Metro Vancouver Representative on Union of BC Municipalities Executive
• Chair, Public Safety Committee
• Chair, Police Advisory Committee
• Chair, Social Planning Committee
• Former Trustee Langley School Board
• Former President of BC Sports Federation
• Member Selection Panel 2010/2011 BC Achievement Awards

Married to his wife Charlene for 45 years, they have two adult sons and three grandchildren.  Peter and Charlene, both of whom were raised in Surrey, graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School and have lived South of the Fraser for over 40 years and are both active in a number of community activities.

In his business career Peter Fassbender worked in radio and television as well as a number of other communications fields.  For 29 years in his career he was a partner and senior executive with DDB Canada (formerly Palmer Jarvis), one of Canada’s largest and most successful marketing and communications firms.  In that capacity he dealt with both public and private sector clients at the local, national, and international levels.  A major focus of his private sector career focused on social marketing campaigns including smoking cessation projects for Health Canada and international marketing activities for Industry Canada.

Peter also a number of years ago helped establish the first Earth Day International Awards presented at UN Headquarters in New York and via satellite in Germany and Los Angeles. These awards were used to recognize international celebrities who had made significant contributions to the environment.  He is often sought out as a speaker on a variety of public, social, business, communication and marketing issues.

Peter’s vision for the Province is to see the needs of all citizens from youth to seniors met while maintaining balanced budgets fiscal responsibility.  Social issues, economic growth transportation, business and residential revitalization and long term planning have been high on his agenda.

Brian Fixter

Brian Fixter is a commercial litigation lawyer at the national law firm Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. He is also an Affiliate Professor with Vancouver Island University where he teaches “Commercial Crime, Fraud, and Evidence”.

In his spare time, Brian serves on the board of directors for two community non-profit organizations, the Hastings-Sunrise Community Policing Centre and the Camp Fircom Society, and is a member of the Business of Law Committee with the Canadian Bar Association BC.  Brian earned his Master of Laws, Juris Doctor, and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) all from the University of British Columbia.

Brian lives in the Olympic Village with his fiancée Janet and their dog Jack.

Lorne Mayencourt

Lorne Mayencourt is the former BC Liberal Party MLA for Vancouver-Burrard, first elected to the Legislature in 2001. He has worked tirelessly on a wide variety of community issues, and is best known as the founder and first executive director of the Vancouver Friends for Life Society, which supports people living with AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Lorne led the fundraising campaign to restore Weeks House at the Diamond Centre for Living, Canada’s first wellness centre. He is a founding board member of the Life Quilt for Breast Cancer, and held directorships on the Vogue Theatre Restoration Society and the BC Women’s Hospital Foundation.

Lorne has also organized several community events, including Sunday in the Square, a block party for West End seniors and their neighbours. He is a Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal recipient, one of Canada’s highest honours.

Sam Sullivan

Sam Sullivan is a Member of the Order of Canada. He served as Mayor of Vancouver from 2005 to 2008. Prior to that he served as a Vancouver City Councillor from 1993 to 2002.

Sam is the founder of the Global Civic Policy Society. The Society holds Public Salons at which presenters speak on a broad range of topics. The Society also initiated the Greeting Fluency program which has a smart phone app that serves as a resource for greetings in 20 different languages. The goal of the Society is to encourage a more knowledgeable and cosmopolitan citizenry with a strong connection to their community.

Sam currently acts as an Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. He organized the 2012 Vancouver Urban Forum which featured 23 urban thinkers from around North America.

As Mayor, Sam was recognized for his efforts to prepare the city for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and was appointed Canadian Paralympic Ambassador by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

January 30, 2013

Vancouver – Today’s BC Liberals have announced the dates and candidates for three contested nomination meetings in mid-February.

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, Vancouver-Quilchena and Vancouver-False Creek will select new candidates between February 15^th and 20^th.

In West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, Robin Smith and Jordan Sturdy will compete for the Party’s nomination.

• Robin Smith - former CEO and President of the BC Dairy Farmers
• Jordan Sturdy - Mayor of Pemberton

The nomination will take place February 15^th and 16^th with voting locations in West Vancouver, Pemberton, Whistler and Squamish.

The Vancouver-Quilchena nomination will be between Suzanne Anton and Andrew Wilkinson.

• Suzanne Anton – lawyer and former Vancouver City Councillor
• Andrew Wilkinson - practicing Vancouver lawyer and licensed medical doctor

The nomination meeting will take place on February 17^th at the Prince of Wales School.

Finally, in Vancouver-False Creek, Brian Fixter, Lorne Mayencourt and Sam Sullivan will battle to represent Today’s BC Liberals.

• Brian Fixter - lawyer and Associate Professor with Vancouver Island University
• Lorne Mayencourt - former MLA for Vancouver-Burrard and founder of the Vancouver Friends for Life Society
• Sam Sullivan - former Mayor of Vancouver and founder of the Global Civic Policy Society

The nomination will take place on February 20^th at the Century Plaza Hotel on Burrard.

Today’s BC Liberals have recruited a number of strong candidates over the past month including Delta municipal councillors Scott Hamilton (Delta North) and Bruce McDonald (Delta South), lawyer Sukhminder Virk (Surrey-Newton) and the CEO of Mainstream Broadcasting Corporation Teresa Wat (Richmond Centre).

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

Robin Smith

Robin was born in England and immigrated to Canada with his family when he was seven.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science from UBC in food science plus additional majors in economics and fisheries management and has an MBA from Simon Fraser University.  While at UBC he worked as a lifeguard, a commercial fisherman, and taught scuba diving to pay his tuition.

Robin has had a varied and extensive career in the agriculture, food and seafood industry including eleven years of international experience where he was hired to go into challenging situations and make things work.  For the past twenty five years he has held chairman, president or CEO positions in several organizations including as the former Executive Director/CEO of the BC Dairy Association, and the former President/CEO of Protein Foods International Inc.

Robin has lived in British Columbia for 45 years and has resided in West or North Vancouver for 25 years.  He is married to Elizabeth, a retired teacher, and has one son.  They enjoy cross country skiing, boating, fishing, hiking, and the wilderness.

Jordan Sturdy

Jordan is a hard-working, entrepreneurial, self-starter who understands the full range of issues in the riding at the local, regional and provincial level with nearly 20 years of public service experience.  As a small business owner, farmer, recreation enthusiast, and experienced politician, Jordan can also relate to and communicate with a full range of individuals and cultures.

Jordan is currently the Mayor of Pemberton, a paramedic, and he and his wife own North Arm Farm, a productive farm which sells to high end restaurants in Whistler and Vancouver, and is a thriving agri-tourism attraction in its own right.

Jordan started as a local trustee for the Pemberton Valley Dyking District.  As Chair of that organization through the record flood of 2003, and since being elected mayor in 2005, and in many other leadership roles, he has gained experience in dealing with all aspects and roles, responsibilities, and requirements of an elected public servant.

Jordan grew up in Vancouver, attending Magee Secondary School, Vancouver Community College, and the University of British Columbia. He has lived in West Vancouver, and has lived in Pemberton since 1989.

Vancouer-Quilchena

Suzanne Anton

Suzanne Anton is a lawyer, mathematics teacher, community activist and a leader in Vancouver and British Columbia’s political landscape.

Suzanne connects with people across the country, the province and in her community. She listens closely, engages with passion, and gets results.

Suzanne is a hands-on politician and problem-solver. Her concerns are the real-life issues of her constituents and the province. At the same time she has deep experience in the leadership, management and financial operations of some of BC’s largest organizations.

Her political leadership includes serving six years as a Vancouver city councillor and three years as a Vancouver Park Board commissioner.

Anton is a director of the BC Pavilion Corp, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. She is a past director of Translink, Metro Vancouver, The Federation of BC Municipalities, numerous sport and community organizations, and is a co-founder of MoreSports.org.

Andrew Wilkinson

Andrew Wilkinson works as a partner in the Vancouver offices of a major national law firm, where he has a special interest in green renewable energy development.

Prior to being called to the bar, Andrew was educated and licensed as a physician. He lived and worked as a doctor in Campbell River, Lillooet, and Dease Lake.

Andrew was born in Australia and immigrated to Canada at age four. He grew up in Kamloops, B.C. and graduated in medicine from the University of Alberta in 1984. He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1980 and took his first law degree at Oxford University. He received his LLB from Dalhousie in 1987 and was called to the British Columbia bar in 1988. He has been licensed as a medical doctor since 1985.

He is a former Deputy Minister of the British Columbia Ministry of Economic Development, where he had responsibility for economic issues, trade and tourism. He also served as Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental Relations in the Premier’s Office for two years.

He is currently President of the Vancouver Institute, and also served as President of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, President of the B.C. Mountaineering Club, and President of the BC Liberal Party.

Andrew Wilkinson is married with three children.

Vancouver False-Creek

Brian Fixter

Brian Fixter is a commercial litigation lawyer at the national law firm Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. He is also an Affiliate Professor with Vancouver Island University where he teaches “Commercial Crime, Fraud, and Evidence”.

In his spare time, Brian serves on the board of directors for two community non-profit organizations, the Hastings-Sunrise Community Policing Centre and the Camp Fircom Society, and is a member of the Business of Law Committee with the Canadian Bar Association BC.  Brian earned his Master of Laws, Juris Doctor, and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) all from the University of British Columbia.

Brian lives in the Olympic Village with his fiancée Janet and their dog Jack.

Lorne Mayencourt

Lorne Mayencourt is the former BC Liberal Party MLA for Vancouver-Burrard, first elected to the Legislature in 2001. He has worked tirelessly on a wide variety of community issues, and is best known as the founder and first executive director of the Vancouver Friends for Life Society, which supports people living with AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Lorne led the fundraising campaign to restore Weeks House at the Diamond Centre for Living, Canada’s first wellness centre. He is a founding board member of the Life Quilt for Breast Cancer, and held directorships on the Vogue Theatre Restoration Society and the BC Women’s Hospital Foundation.

Lorne has also organized several community events, including Sunday in the Square, a block party for West End seniors and their neighbours. He is a Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal recipient, one of Canada’s highest honours.

Sam Sullivan

Sam Sullivan is a Member of the Order of Canada. He served as Mayor of Vancouver from 2005 to 2008. Prior to that he served as a Vancouver City Councillor from 1993 to 2002.

Sam is the founder of the Global Civic Policy Society. The Society holds Public Salons at which presenters speak on a broad range of topics. The Society also initiated the Greeting Fluency program which has a smart phone app that serves as a resource for greetings in 20 different languages. The goal of the Society is to encourage a more knowledgeable and cosmopolitan citizenry with a strong connection to their community.

Sam currently acts as an Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. He organized the 2012 Vancouver Urban Forum which featured 23 urban thinkers from around North America.

As Mayor, Sam was recognized for his efforts to prepare the city for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and was appointed Canadian Paralympic Ambassador by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

January 29, 2013

Vancouver – Two days after Adrian Dix said he would launch a “positive” campaign, one of the BC NDP’s highest profile MLAs has launched a personal and negative attack from his non-partisan constituency office.

"We all knew it wouldn't last, but I thought they'd keep the spin going for at least the first week," said cabinet minister and campaign spokesperson Mary Polak. "Did Lali just not get the Dix memo on being positive, or is Mr. Dix trying to take the high road, while his MLAs throw stones from their constituency offices?"

Lali’s personal attacks, which are incorrect, are in stark contrast to the type of local campaign that Jackie Tegart is putting forward to Fraser-Nicola voters. Tegart has a proven record as a longtime school trustee and Ashcroft municipal councillor.

"I’m running because I believe Premier Christy Clark’s vision for a strong, resource economy is vital for our region," said Tegart. “I’m focused on jobs and the issues that matter to people in my riding."

"It’s wrong to launch negative, personal attacks from a constituency-based MLA office," added Tegart. "We need representation that puts our communities first."

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Harry Lali's Press Release:

Harry Lali, MLA Fraser-Nicola

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release

January 28, 2013

Local Liberals circumvent democracy, anoint Christy Clark’s hand-picked candidate.

MERRITT – Fraser-Nicola NDP MLA Harry Lali says “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” referring to the appointment of Jackie Tegart as local BC Liberal candidate almost two weeks ago.

“Though I welcome the entry into the provincial realm by the Liberals’ appointed candidate in Fraser-Nicola, she will have to answer for the destruction of the social and economic fabric of British Columbia by the Campbell/Clark Liberals during the last decade,” said Lali.

“The appointment of the Liberal candidate by Premier Christy Clark is further evidence of the BC Liberals’ “top-down”, heavy-handed approach when dealing with local constituency nominations,” said Lali. “Their news communique about the appointment (dated January 16) that appeared in The Vancouver Sun was released out of BC Liberal Party headquarters in the Lower Mainland by Sam Oliphant, Communications Officer from the BC Liberal Party in Vancouver.”

“It was ten more days before local Liberals would be invited to so-call ‘nominate’ their candidate in Ashcroft,” said Lali. “The Liberal communique even admitted that local Liberals would do the “formality” of candidate anointment in Ashcroft on January 26th.”

Lali said: “There is a clearly-established pattern of the BC Liberals’ heavy-handedness with local nominations. Liberal MLA John Slater, from Boundary-Similkameen, was unceremoniously dumped by Premier Clark from running as a Liberal in favour of another person. In Abbotsford South, BC Liberal brass also dismissed Abbotsford city councillor, Moe Gill, from seeking the Liberal nomination in favour of someone else.”

Adrian Dix, Harry Lali and the New Democrats believe that the true essence of democracy is when respective constituency association memberships are allowed to elect their candidates through democratic nominations free from any interference from Party Leaders and Party brass.

“Unfortunately for BC Liberal members in many constituencies like Fraser-Nicola the rubber-stamping of candidates appointed by Premier Clark and Liberal Headquarters is the order of the day,” said Lali. “There are many questions the appointed Liberal candidate needs to answer, such as:

- As a former School Trustee why did Ms. Tegart remain silent when Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark, as Education Minister, closed over 200 schools, especially in Rural BC, including Fraser-Nicola?
- Where was she when Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark, as BC Children and Families Minister, cut 42% funding for BC’s needy children and families and closed 50% of women’s shelters in the province?
- Why didn’t she speak out against the massive cuts to Health Care by Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark that resulted in multiple emergency room closures, including ERs in Ashcroft, Lytton, Princeton and Logan Lake?
- Why was she silent when the Liberals’ punitive forest policies closed over 90 sawmills and laid-off 42,000 workers across the province, including in Merritt, Lillooet, Lytton, and Boston Bar?
- Why was she silent when the Liberals’ BC Rail corruption scandal, investigation, and court case took place?

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Media Contact: Dean Morrison (250-378-4802)

January 22, 2013

Delta – Bruce McDonald has won the nomination to represent Today’s BC Liberals in Delta South, the Party has announced tonight.

Bruce McDonald has served on Delta Council for seven terms, and previously had a long and successful career as an Air Traffic Controller.

“Delta South has a long history of electing BC Liberals, and support for Premier Christy Clark and our Party remains strong in this community,” said McDonald.

McDonald is grateful for the support he received from local BC Liberals, and wants to thank fellow nomination candidate Bruce Fougner for the positive race.

“I’m very grateful to have won this nomination, and credit my fellow candidate Bruce Fougner for helping bring some great energy to the riding,” added McDonald. “The BC Liberals have a major process of renewal going on across B.C., and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Bruce McDonald and fellow BC Liberal candidate Scott Hamilton (Delta North) make a strong team to represent Today’s BC Liberals in Delta.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Bruce McDonald - Biography

Seven term Councillor Bruce McDonald is the BC Liberal candidate in Delta South. He grew up in the Lower Mainland. A widower, he and wife Barbara raised their family in his current home. He has three grown children and four young grandsons. Bruce understands how incredibly lucky we are to live in this wonderful province and that we have an obligation to our children to protect and strengthen the quality of life we enjoy.

Bruce has extensive non-profit and volunteer experience. He has served as a Director and Executive for several community, ratepayer, sports and church organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, B.C. Football Referees Association, and Colebrook United Church.

Bruce had an outstanding career as an Air Traffic Controller. Rising through the ranks as an Operational Controller, Instructor, Automation Specialist, Supervisor and finally manager of both Vancouver Airport Control Tower and The Vancouver Area Control Centre. In the later capacity he was responsible for the movement of aircraft throughout the province with a staff of over 300 and a $35,000,000 budget.

McDonald was first elected in December of 1987 and working with successive councils has helped Delta to become the outstanding community it is. When he was first elected Delta had a debt of $68,000,000 and was paying almost $7,000,000 in yearly interest. Through prudent, long-term planning, the Municipality will be debt free by 2018.

He is particularly proud that the community has been able to provide outstanding facilities and renew its infrastructure while at the same time almost eliminating its debt.

Bruce has served on or chaired every Municipal committee or commission. He currently Chairs The Community Planning Committee and the Environmental Advisory Committee. He is Vice Chair of the Boundary Bay Airport Committee and serves on the North Delta Area Planning Committee and the Invest in Delta Task Force.

January 18, 2013

Surrey – Sukhminder Virk will be the BC Liberal candidate in Surrey-Newton for the 2013 election campaign, the BC Liberals have announced today.

Virk is a trust, estate and corporate lawyer who has lived in Surrey for over 20 years. Virk also graduated from SFU and has worked on a variety of local and international community groups.

“There is no doubt that the BC Liberals are the best hope for a strong economy in British Columbia,” said Virk. “I’m joining the renewed team of BC Liberals who are going to fight to keep B.C. on the right track.”

Sukhminder Virk believes that Adrian Dix and the NDP are a major risk to B.C.’s economy.

“People who want a government who will fight for B.C. jobs and a strong economy should join me and rally behind Premier Christy Clark,” added Virk. “We are less than four months from the next election – the time to get involved is now.”

Since January 1^st the BC Liberals have announced a number of new candidates including:

• Delta councillor Scott Hamilton (Delta North)
• Paralympic champion Michelle Stilwell (Parksville-Qualicum)
• Successful business leader Greg Kyllo (Shuswap)
• Former BCSTA head Jackie Tegart (Fraser-Nicola)
• Telecommunications and IT expert Patrick Muncaster (Powell River-Sunshine Coast)
• Media CEO Teresa Wat (Richmond Centre)
• Oliver councillor Linda Larson (Boundary-Similkameen)

Virk will be formally nominated at a meeting at the Surrey-Newton Library on February 3^rd beginning at 2:30pm.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Sukhminder Virk - Biography

Sukhminder S. Virk and his family have been living in Surrey for the past 20 years since moving from Calgary, Alberta.

After graduating from North Surrey Secondary School, Sukhminder attended Simon Fraser University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science. He then went on to attend law school in the United Kingdom, graduating with a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from Kingston University London. While at university, Sukhminder was active in many organizations, including the SFU BC Young Liberals; he even served as president for a student’s association.

Following his return from law school, he has articled and worked in Surrey. Sukhminder completed articling in 2011 and was subsequently called to the BC bar. He presently practices law in Surrey focusing on trust, estate, and corporate law.

In the past 5 years, he has served as a director for two societies. During his time as director he was able to help raise money for the Haitian disaster relief efforts, and even had the opportunity to do relief work in Haiti. Sukhminder was able to add value to the organizations he was a director of. Recently, he served as Chairman of an election committee, overseeing an election where nearly 15,000 votes were cast.

In addition to his charity work, Sukhminder has extensive experience working on issues affecting the local community. Sukhminder has dedicated significant time to community projects and organizations. He currently sits on advisory boards focusing on local and global issues.

Sukhminder is presently a member of the Canadian Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association of BC, Trial Lawyers Association of BC, and the Surrey Chamber of Commerce.

January 17, 2013

Powell River – Patrick Muncaster will be the BC Liberal candidate in Powell River-Sunshine Coast, the BC Liberal Party has announced today.

Muncaster has experience working for the federal government including in a number of Minister’s offices as well as in the Federal Public Service. He also had a long private sector career in telecommunications and information technology.

“The people of Powell River-Sunshine Coast deserve a representative who will champion jobs and economic development in this region,” said Muncaster. “That is what my campaign is going to be focused on.”

Muncaster served as the president of the BC Liberal riding association before deciding to run for the nomination.

“I’ve had an inside view of the renewal that has taken place with the BC Liberals over the past two years, and I’m very optimistic about our direction,” added Muncaster. “Premier Christy Clark has rejuvenated our party and given us focus on important issues like jobs and skills training.”

Yesterday the BC Liberals announced that media CEO Teresa Wat will run for the party in Richmond Centre, and that former BCSTA head Jackie Tegart will carry the party’s banner in Fraser-Nicola.

Muncaster will be formally nominated this Sunday in Davis Bay at the South Coast at St. John’s United Church (5085 Davis Bay Road). The meeting will get underway at 2:30pm.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Patrick Muncaster - Biography

Patrick Muncaster was born in Vancouver. He earned a degree in economics and political science at the University of British Columbia. He worked in several minister’s offices in Ottawa including the Prime Minister’s Office; in the federal civil service; and had an extensive career in the telecommunications industry.

Much of his career has been focused on preparing the organizations he worked in to successfully anticipate and adapt to change.

He has worked in corporate planning, information technology planning, information project management, government relations, marketing, advanced services development and international relations.

Patrick has had a lifelong passion for science and technology and for understanding its future impact on society. His focus is on the intersection of public policy, economics, science and technology and the ongoing developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, personalized learning and health management. He is active in social media.

He has three adult children – David, an ESL teacher; Katherine, a senior policy analyst; and Laura, an ER Nurse – as well as a granddaughter - Sienna.

Oliver – The BC Liberals have announced that Oliver municipal councillor Linda Larson will be the Party’s candidate in Boundary-Similkameen.

Larson is the former Mayor of Oliver, elected in 1997, 1999 and 2002.

“I’m proud to be running for the BC Liberals under Premier Christy Clark,” said Larson. “The Premier has shown tremendous resilience in the position, and I know she is the right choice to continue leading British Columbia.”

Larson is also currently the Chair of the Provincial Board at Community Futures, and previously served on B.C.’s Small Business Roundtable from 2005 to 2011.

“People in this community want a representative that will stand up for a strong economy and family supporting jobs,” added Larson. “B.C. must continue moving forward on a responsible economic path that keeps taxes low and spending under control.”

“I would be honoured to serve the people of Boundary-Similkameen,” said Larson.

Larson joins new candidate Jackie Tegart (Fraser-Nicola) and Teresa Wat (Richmond Centre), announced yesterday, as the newest candidates to join the renewed BC Liberal team.

Larson will be formally nominated on Saturday February 2^nd at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall (6417 Main Street) in Oliver. Registration will begin at 9:30am with the meeting taking place at 10:00am.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Linda Larson - Biography

Linda Larson currently sits on Council in Oliver, and previously served as Mayor from 1997 to 2005.

She is currently the Chair of the Provincial Board at Community Futures representing the South Okanagan, and previously sat on the boards of JABC (2006-2011) and the Desert Sun Counselling & Resource Centre between 2004 and 2008. Linda also served on the BC Small Business Roundtable between 2005 and 2011.

She owned three businesses in Oliver between 1989 and 2002 (Eastside Grocery, Stedmans V/S and Ruffled Edges).

Linda is an active volunteer with many provincial, regional and local organizations. She is a member and past-president of Sunnybank Ladies Auxiliary and a member of W.O.W. (a local women's organization).

Linda was born in Comox and she and her husband Larry moved to Oliver in 1989. They have three daughters (Marnie, Donna, and Lynnet) and three grandchildren (Brianna, Joshua, and Austin) with a fourth due in April.

January 16, 2013

Richmond – Teresa Wat will be the BC Liberal Party’s candidate in Richmond Centre for the 2013 election campaign, the Party has announced today.

Wat is the President and CEO of Mainstream Broadcasting Corporation CHMB AM1320. She was also named one of B.C.’s Top 100 most influential women in 2010 by the Vancouver Sun.

“I believe the upcoming election is too important to stand on the sidelines,” said Wat. “I want to be a part of the team that secures a strong economic future for British Columbians that will last for decades.”

Wat is the former News Director at Channel M Television, now OMNI. In 2010 she was appointed to the Canadian Women Voters Congress Advisory Board.

“Premier Christy Clark is the right leader for British Columbia – there’s no doubt,” added Wat. “She has had her feet put to the fire over the past 22 months, and she has shown she can handle the heat.”

“I am very excited to have Teresa join our team,” said Premier Christy Clark. “She will be a champion for Richmond Centre and B.C.’s growing multicultural communities.”

School Trustee Grace Tsang has decided not to pursue the nomination for the Richmond Centre riding. Tsang has accepted an appointment to serve instead in the capacity as co-chair of the Premier’s Chinese Advisory Committee.

“I have always been deeply committed to serving my community and my main interest is public service,” said Tsang. “I’m pleased to be able to support and serve our province while continuing to serve Richmond as a school trustee. I know what Teresa brings to the table and I plan to fully support her in her efforts in her bid for upcoming election.”

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Teresa Wat - Biography

Teresa Wat is the BC Liberal candidate in Richmond Centre. She is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Broadcasting Corporation CHMB AM1320, and was named one of B.C.'s top 100 most influential women by the Vancouver Sun in 2010.

Teresa Wat also served as the News Director at Channel M Television (now OMNI TV), and previously served as a Communications Advisor at B.C.'s Cabinet Policy and Communications Secretariat.

Wat was instrumental in the launch of the first ever live Cantonese, Mandarin and Punjabi daily television news programs.

In 2010, Wat was appointed to the Canadian Women Voters Congress Advisory Board. She is also currently a board member of the School of Journalism at UBC.

Wat speaks Cantonese and Mandarin, and has a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Hawaii.

Teresa Wat with Premier Christy Clark

January 16, 2013

Ashcroft – The BC Liberals have announced that Jackie Tegart will be the Party’s candidate in Fraser-Nicola in the upcoming provincial election.

Tegart is serving her third term on the Village of Ashcroft Council, and as an elected school trustee, she also served as president of the BC School Trustees Association.

“I’ve served my community in a number of ways in my lifetime, and this opportunity is the next step for me,” said Tegart. “I want to be a part of the renewal going on inside the BC Liberal Party.”

Tegart has been a passionate advocate for economic development and fiscal responsibility throughout her career, and she believes the BC Liberals are the only option to keep British Columbia on a responsible path to prosperity.

“We are four months away from an extremely important election in British Columbia, and I strongly believe Premier Christy Clark has proven that she is the right person for the job,” added Tegart.

“I don’t believe a government led by Adrian Dix and Harry Lali is the answer,” said Tegart.

Since the beginning of January, the BC Liberals have recruited a number of strong candidates to join their renewed team including Paralympic champion Michelle Stilwell (Parksville-Qualicum), Delta Councillor Scott Hamilton (Delta North) and successful business leader Greg Kyllo (Shuswap).

Tegart will be formally nominated at the Central Café in Ashcroft at 4:00pm on Saturday January 26^th.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Jackie Tegart - Biography

Jackie Tegart is on her third term on the Village of Ashcroft Council and also serves on the Executive of the Southern Interior Local Government Association.

Jackie has a life-long history of working in her community, including serving on the local school board for 17 years, 15 as the Board Chair.

She has been a BC Healthy Communities facilitator, done community development and self-employment coordination for Community Futures, and was also a small business owner for three years.

Jackie also serves as a member of the Thompson Nicola Film Commission.

She is passionate about economic development, fiscal accountability and responsible infrastructure investments.

Jackie has lived in Ashcroft for over 50 years, is a mother to four children and a grandmother to eight.

January 5, 2013

Salmon Arm – Sicamous Councillor Greg Kyllo has won the nomination to represent the BC Liberals in Shuswap. Kyllo has lived in Sicamous for 34 years and is the president and owner of Twin Anchors Marine Group.

“The past few months have brought great energy to the Shuswap riding,” said Kyllo. “I’m just pleased to be joining the strong list of candidates that have been coming forward to run on Premier Christy Clark’s team.”

Greg Kyllo is the latest candidate to join the renewed BC Liberal team.

“There is so much momentum in this Party right now, it is really great to see,” added Kyllo. “We had five strong candidates come forward here in Shuswap, and I’m very humbled to have won. Any one of the other four candidates would have been great as well.”

Retiring MLA George Abbott believes Kyllo will be a strong representative for Shuswap.

“Greg is a top-notch candidate,” said Abbott. “He is a well-known, respected member of the community, and he will provide great leadership in this area for years to come.”

Earlier in the week the BC Liberals announced that Paralympic champion Michelle Stilwell will be the Party’s candidate in Parksville-Qualicum.

Four-term municipal councillor Scott Hamilton will also formally become the BC Liberal candidate in Delta North tonight.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant

(604) 606-6017


sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Greg Kyllo - Biography

Greg Kyllo has resided in Sicamous, B.C. for 34 years after moving with his family from Taylor, B.C. in 1978. In 1988 Greg married his high school sweetheart, Georgina (Stead), and together, they have raised four daughters ages 23 to 17. After graduating from Eagle River Secondary, Greg attended Okanagan College where he studied general studies. It wasn’t long before the opportunity was presented to work with his stepfather, Knud Thomsen, owner of Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations.

Today, Greg is the president and owner of Twin Anchors Marine Group that has been building houseboats since the mid-1970s. The largest houseboat company in Canada, Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations is an integral sponsor to many community programs and events in the area.

Nine years ago, Greg, along with his partner and brother, Todd Kyllo, expanded the business into the well site accommodation market and incorporated TA Structures. TA Structures builds five-star worker accommodations and offices for the oilfield, forestry and mining industries with units shipping to destinations in Alaska and South America. In recent years TA Structures has supplanted construction as the core activity in the 60,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Sicamous.

Despite global economic uncertainly,  determination, strong leadership and diversification of the worksite accommodation business has enabled Greg to have 130 full-time employees, with TA Structures building 100 worker accommodation units annually.

In 2011, Greg was elected to Sicamous council and was appointed Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Finance Committee.  Greg also serves on the Sicamous Economic Development Committee.  Recently, Greg and his wife were awarded the prestigious May Brown Award at the BC Liberal Conference held in Whistler, along with Business Excellence Awards through the Sicamous Chamber (Business Role Model of the Year/Community Involvement Award).

Greg has strong roots in the Shuswap and has been a director on the Shuswap BC Liberal Riding Association for many years.   Industrious and hardworking, Greg offers strong communication skills, sound knowledge in accounting, marketing, strategic planning and an ability to lead. Greg is determined to build a strong future for the communities and people of the Shuswap.

January 03, 2013

Parksville – The BC Liberals have announced that four-time gold medal Paralympian Michelle Stilwell will be the Party’s candidate in Parksville-Qualicum. Stilwell joins a renewed BC Liberal team that continues to recruit high quality candidates across British Columbia.

“I know how important hard work and resiliency are when working towards important goals,” said Stilwell. “I’m really proud to be joining the BC Liberal team and doing my part to help Premier Christy Clark earn re-election here in British Columbia.”

Stilwell is a passionate community advocate for persons with disabilities and children with special needs. She is also the only Canadian female athlete to be a multiple Paralympic Champion in two separate summer sports.

“The next election will be a pivotal event in British Columbia’s history, and the BC Liberals have a bold vision for our great province that I want to be a part of,” added Stilwell. “British Columbians want a government that is focused on the economy so that we can afford to support those who are in need.”

Stilwell is strongly supported in her candidacy by current MLA Ron Cantelon.

“Michelle is an inspiring candidate who will deliver effective representation for Parksville-Qualicum for years to come.  I’m excited she’s seeking public office,” said Cantelon.

Stilwell will be officially nominated at a meeting at the Parksville Community Centre on Tuesday, January 8^th (6pm registration, 6:30pm meeting).   Stilwell’s acclamation results from being the only candidate to submit a candidate application by the deadline established under the BC Liberal Party Constitution.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Michelle Stilwell

Michelle Stilwell has lived in Oceanside for 11 years since graduating from the University of Calgary with a Science degree. She is the only Canadian female athlete to be a multiple Paralympic Champion in two separate summer sports (basketball and athletics).  She and her husband Mark have been married for more than 15 years and are the parents to their son Kai.

Michelle’s spinal injury at the age of 17 set the foundation for a motivational speaking company that has taken her across Canada and into the United States. She has reached many corporations and thousands of students on diverse topics, but always with the goal of motivating positive change, and stimulating productivity by teaching basic lessons about overcoming barriers. Coupled with determination and perseverance, Michelle has always used her life experiences to inspire others to make the most of their lives; to focus on their abilities, to dream, to have confidence to chase those dreams and most importantly to always stay positive when life challenges you.  In 2010 Michelle was listed in the Top 100 most influential women by the Vancouver Sun.

Michelle is a strong community advocate for both persons with disabilities and children with special needs. Between 2008 and 2010 she worked on the BC government’s 10 by 10 challenge to increase employment for persons with disabilities. Having served on a variety of boards, Michelle is also an ambassador for the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation.

Michelle believes sport and physical activity bring incredible value to a person’s life, leading her to become an ambassador for ActNowBC.

With her endless energy she gives her time to community initiatives and organizations, homeschools her son, trains full-time to compete for Canada and runs her own business.

January 2, 2013

Delta – The BC Liberals have announced that four-term Delta Councillor Scott Hamilton will be the Party’s candidate in Delta North. Hamilton will be acclaimed at a nomination meeting taking place this Saturday.

“No single issue is more important to British Columbians than our economy,” said Hamilton. “The next election is about protecting and growing our economy with Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberals, or going backwards under the NDP.”

Hamilton believes the BC Liberals are the best to ensure that Delta’s regional transportation issues are addressed. The BC Liberal government recently announced an extensive public consultation process on replacing the George Massey Tunnel.

“I have proudly represented Delta residents since 2002 and am a proud resident of this constituency. I know the issues and the people,” added Hamilton, who is looking to reclaim the seat which was held by the BC Liberals from 1996-2005. NDP MLA Guy Gentner is not seeking re-election.

There has been strong interest in BC Liberal candidacies across British Columbia. A five-way race for the BC Liberal nod in Shuswap will also take place Saturday.

Hamilton and the Shuswap candidate will be the first candidates in 2013 to join the renewed BC Liberal team. The Delta South nomination meeting has been set for January 22^nd.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Scott Hamilton - Biography

Scott and his wife Kristen moved to North Delta over 26 years ago.  The parents of two grown daughters, Scott and Kristen became active in both local neighbourhood issues as well as broader community affairs. Scott also dedicated his time and energy to amateur sports and many charitable organizations.

Since being elected to Delta Council in 2002, Scott has spent the last 10 years working for the residents of Delta North. Prior to this time, Scott served as a Delta Parks, Recreation and Culture Commissioner, and chaired a task force that resulted in the installation of Delta’s first synthetic turf playing field at Mackie Park in North Delta.

Scott was a member of Delta Council during the negotiation process that resulted in the purchase of Burns Bog and its subsequent dedication as a conservancy area, and more recently, its Ramsar designation.

Scott has served on and chaired a variety of Delta committees and task forces, but is most proud of his work on Delta’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission, where he oversaw significant improvements to fields and facilities that cater to families and youth in the Delta area. Mackie Park and North Delta Community Park synthetic turf playing fields, Sungod Aquatic and Recreation Centre, as well as planned improvements to the North Delta Recreation Centre are just a few of the many projects that Scott has been involved in making happen.

Scott is a committed member of the North Delta community, and wants to continue to bring good works and progress to the area as a member of Premier Christy Clark's team. He has only recently become a member of the BC Liberal Party because he believes strongly that the choice between two visions in the upcoming election is the most important one facing us in more than generation.  He believes in individual responsibility, and rewarding hard work and initiative, as opposed to returning to an age of high taxes, pet projects, and big government solutions.

“British Columbia hosts both a strong economy and vast opportunities for continued growth and prosperity” – as a member of the BC Liberal Team, Scott will continue to represent the interests of his community as well as the province.

December 6, 2012

Mission – After a close vote in Mission tonight, the BC Liberal Party has announced that Simon Gibson has won the Party’s nomination in Abbotsford-Mission.

Gibson is proud to be joining the renewed team of candidates running for the BC Liberals in 2013.

“This was a great nomination race that brought a lot of energy and excitement to the riding, and now I’m going to get working on re-electing a BC Liberal government in 2013,” said Gibson.

Gibson believes that the BC Liberals are the only option to protect jobs and grow B.C.’s economy.

“We can’t risk the economic stability we have in British Columbia on Adrian Dix and the NDP,” said Gibson. “Premier Christy Clark has a vision and a plan for British Columbia that will keep our economy strong and create and protect jobs.”

“The BC Liberals helped bring a stable economy back to British Columbia after years of NDP mismanagement,” said Gibson. “We can’t take a risk on them again.”

Gibson also thanked fellow candidate Tony Luck for participating in a respectful, hard fought nomination race.

“Anyone who puts their name forward for public office deserves our thanks,” said Gibson. “I’m going to follow in the footsteps of MLA Randy Hawes and work hard to represent the constituents here in Abbotsford-Mission.”

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant

(604) 606-6017


sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Simon Gibson

Simon has served on Abbotsford Council for three decades and has been active in numerous boards and committees throughout the valley.  He currently serves on the Fraser Valley Regional District Board, Fraser Valley Regional Library Board and the Abbotsford-Mission Transit Committee – which he chairs – among others.

Simon teaches in the School of Business at the University of the Fraser Valley specializing in Human Resources Management, Entrepreneurship and Marketing.

He has also taught at Trinity Western University and Douglas College.  Simon has led workshops for The BC Police Academy (Justice Institute) and Western Washington University.

He has been a resident of the Fraser Valley since 1976 and has lived in the Abbotsford-Mission riding for over 12 years.

Simon is married to Joy and they have two adult daughters and one grandson. They are expecting their second grandchild at the end of the year.

He is a writer and has a syndicated column, Office Politics 101, which appears in 25 BC newspapers.  He also enjoys gourmet cooking, cartooning, and long-distance running, including marathons.  He ran a 55 km Ultra Marathon earlier this year.

December 3, 2012

Coquitlam – Coquitlam City Councillor Linda Reimer will join Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Douglas Horne as a Tri-Cities BC Liberal candidate in Port Moody-Coquitlam, the Party has announced today.

“British Columbia needs a government that will continue to focus on jobs and building a strong economy,” said Reimer.

“The Premier has shown me that she has the strength to make tough decisions,” added Reimer. “The BC Liberals are the only party that will drive economic growth forward, and maintain the province’s AAA credit rating.”

Given the uncertain global economy, Reimer believes it is important that British Columbia re-elect a BC Liberal government.

Reimer will join MLA Douglas Horne who will fight for re-election as the BC Liberal candidate in Coquitlam-Burke Mountain. Horne currently serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to Premier Christy Clark.

“The renewal taking place in the BC Liberal Party under Premier Christy Clark is great to see,” said Horne. “Our BC Liberal team is strong and motivated to win another term in government.”

Horne has worked hard over the past three and a half years to bring major improvements to his community. Horne was part of a local team that helped break the logjam to move the $1.4 billion Evergreen Line forward.

The joint candidate selection meeting will take place on December 17^th at the Port Moody City Hall.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Linda Reimer - Biography

Linda Reimer is a second term Coquitlam City Councillor having been first elected in 2008, and is the former chair of the School District 43 Parent Advisory Council. She is a former banker with the CIBC and was an appointed councillor for four and a half years with the BC College of Teachers.

Reimer is a member of the Rotary Club of Coquitlam, a member of the Westwood Residents Community Association and chairs the Coquitlam City Multiculturalism Advisory Committee. She is also the City representative on the Tri-City Planning Partnership, the Coquitlam Public Library Board and the Tri-Cities Joint Family Court-Youth Justice Committee as well as the Tri-Cities Early Childhood Accord committee. In addition, Reimer is also the Vice Chair of the Maillardville Commercial and Cultural Revitalization Advisory Committee.

Reimer has been very active in the community working with the Fraser Burrard Restorative Justice Society (now CERA-Communities Embracing Restorative Action), 12th Coquitlam Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, former co-chair of Bakers Corner Preschool, and a former director-treasurer of the Learning Disabilities Association of BC (Fraser North Chapter). She was an alternate on the former Metro Vancouver Labour Relations Bureau, and the former Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee. In addition, she served as chair of the City/School Board Liaison Committee.

Reimer graduated from Simon Fraser University with a major in business and a minor in criminology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. She has been married to Les for 30 years and they have 2 grown-up sons, Gord and Bill.

Douglas Horne

Recruit

We will ask British Columbians to pledge their support.

We will invite British Columbians to join our party, to give time, to advocate, to put up a sign, to make a financial contribution, and to vote early.

Our campaign will be volunteer-driven, backed by paid resources.

We will measure our success by tracking the number of ID’d supporters by riding, along with social media followers and activity, donations, quick response, and event participation.

Appreciate

We will provide volunteers and supporters with information like never before.

We will provide outstanding service to our supporters who need answers.

We will invite supporters to events, near where they live.

We will provide opportunities to participate through the Internet, Telephone Town halls, and other technologies.

We will ask our supporter’s opinions and demonstrate we are listening and responding.

We will measure our success by tracking the number of communications to supporters via phone, email, mail, and direct contact; and we will recognize our supporters with a comprehensive and aggressive recognition program to maximize and leverage motivation.

Deliver

We will involve supporters in our GOTV planning and encourage a ‘plan to vote’.

We will strongly encourage early voting.

We will proactively identify absentee voters and request ballots now.

We will involve supporters in peer to peer GOTV.

We will encourage supporters to become volunteers, volunteers to become advocates.

November 30, 2012

Duncan – Former reporter and news bureau chief Steve Housser will be the BC Liberal candidate in Cowichan Valley, the Party has announced today.

Housser has been active on the Party’s riding association executive, and made the decision to run for the BC Liberals after seeing the energy and renewal at the 2012 BC Liberal Convention in October.

“Premier Christy Clark has shown without a doubt that she is bringing energy and renewal to the BC Liberal Party and to government,” said Housser. “As a former reporter and news executive, I have seen many political leaders face heavy scrutiny, but few have handled it with more resilience, determination and grace under fire as Premier Christy Clark.”

Housser, who put himself through university as a logger and fisherman, knows how important B.C.’s resource sector is to the province’s economy.

“People in this area want a strong economy that they can depend on for good paying jobs,” added Housser. “Unlike the NDP, the BC Liberals and Premier Christy Clark are the only team that will stand up for B.C.’s resource jobs.”

Earlier this week the BC Liberals announced that Dawson Creek Mayor Mike Bernier will run for the Party in Peace River South. Next week, BC Liberal members will decide between two municipal councillors running for the Party’s nomination in Abbotsford-Mission.

The Cowichan Valley candidate selection meeting and Christmas social will take place on December 13^th at the Duncan Travelodge.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Steve Housser - Biography

Steve Housser is a proud British Columbian who was born on the Island and has lived in the area for the past 13 years as a resident of Shawnigan Lake. The active family man is the father of 4 grown children. He and his wife Anne have been happily married for 32 years. Steve has had an interesting and varied career. He put himself through the University of British Columbia by fishing and logging up and down the West Coast. He later earned an honours journalism degree at Carleton University and began a career as a radio/television reporter that took him from Ottawa to the Arctic and several points in between.

Steve’s interest in politics began when he was Parliamentary reporter in the nation’s capital and continued through to his posting as bureau chief for CBC TV covering the provincial legislature in Victoria. After reporting on politics for two decades, Steve became an investment advisor for RBC Dominion Securities. He then moved to fundraising at Shawnigan Lake School where as executive director of the SLS Foundation he raised money for scholarships and bursaries to help deserving students get a great education. Steve is now semi-retired and the owner of Next Step Solutions, a small firm specializing in media training, communications and fundraising.

After years of covering politics as a reporter, Steve became interested in a more direct role in the political process. For the past ten years he has been on the executive of the local BC Liberal riding association, including the past two years as treasurer for the Cowichan Valley BC Liberals. Steve has also been very active in his community, working as a volunteer helping with the development of trails at the Kinsol Trestle, an extension for the Mill Bay Food Bank and raising money for financial aid to help local high school graduates go to university. Steve is a current member and past president of the South Cowichan (Mill Bay) Rotary Club. He is also president of the South Cowichan Rotary Club Foundation. Steve wants to be a strong voice for the Cowichan Valley.

November 28, 2012

Dawson Creek – The BC Liberal Party has announced that Mike Bernier, the Mayor of Dawson Creek, will be acclaimed as the BC Liberal candidate in Peace River South.

Bernier is excited about running for the BC Liberals, and is looking forward to working with Premier Christy Clark to support job growth and the economy in the Peace region.

“This is an exciting time to be a BC Liberal,” said Bernier. “Premier Christy Clark has brought renewal and change to the Party.”

Last week, the Party announced a five-way race for the nomination in Shuswap. Next week, two city councillors will contend for the Party’s nomination in Abbotsford-Mission.

“I’m going to be working hard to make sure that Peace River South has a BC Liberal MLA again after the next election,” added Bernier. “Premier Christy Clark is the right leader to protect and build B.C.’s economy in these uncertain economic times.”

The candidate selection meeting will take place in Dawson Creek on December 11th.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Mike Bernier - Biography

Mike Bernier was born and raised in North Vancouver and moved to Dawson Creek with his wife Valerie and their five children in 1993. Mike served as Councillor in the City of Dawson Creek from 2005-2008 prior to being elected Mayor in November of 2008 and re-elected in 2011.

Mike has been working to build a positive economic climate, working closely with industry and community members to create a balanced, sustainable future for the City of Dawson Creek. With twenty years of experience in the natural gas industry he is able to bring this knowledge to the table when dealing with industry and business.

Mike is the Past President of the NCLGA and is a member of many other committees and boards including: The Peace River Regional District, the BC Mayors Climate Leadership Council, the Community Energy Association, the Council of Resource Community Mayors, Northeast Regional Advisory Committee, Site C Regional and Local Government Liaison Committee, Northern Development Initiative Trust and the South Peace Economic Development Commission.

November 21, 2012

Williams Lake – MLA Donna Barnett will be acclaimed as the BC Liberal Party’s candidate in Cariboo-Chilcotin for the 2013 election at a candidate selection meeting tonight in Williams Lake.

“I am running for re-election because I want to ensure that my community has a representative who will stand up for them and fight to keep the economy in British Columbia’s rural communities on track,” said Barnett.

Barnett, the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Communities and Development, was first elected in 2009. Barnett believes the next election will be fought over which Party is best suited to manage B.C.’s economy.

“B.C. is still surrounded by a fragile global economy, and we can’t risk the progress we have seen under the BC Jobs Plan by changing course,” added Barnett. “People want to support a Party that will fight for a growing economy, and we in the BC Liberal Party will do just that.”

Barnett is a vocal voice for the needs of rural B.C. who has worked hard to support local industries such as ranching, forestry, mining, and tourism.

Since being elected, Barnett has helped deliver a number of improvements to her community including new long-term care beds at both Fisher Place in 100 Mile House and Deni House in Williams Lake.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Simon Gibson

Simon has served on Abbotsford Council for three decades and has been active in numerous boards and committees throughout the valley.  He currently serves on the Fraser Valley Regional District Board, Fraser Valley Regional Library Board and the Abbotsford-Mission Transit Committee – which he chairs – among others.

Simon teaches in the School of Business at the University of the Fraser Valley specializing in Human Resources Management, Entrepreneurship and Marketing.

He has also taught at Trinity Western University and Douglas College.  Simon has led workshops for The BC Police Academy (Justice Institute) and Western Washington University.

He has been a resident of the Fraser Valley since 1976 and has lived in the Abbotsford-Mission riding for over 12 years.

Simon is married to Joy and they have two adult daughters and one grandson. They are expecting their second grandchild at the end of the year.

He is a writer and has a syndicated column, Office Politics 101, which appears in 25 BC newspapers.  He also enjoys gourmet cooking, cartooning, and long-distance running, including marathons.  He ran a 55 km Ultra Marathon earlier this year.

November 20, 2012

Mission – Tony Luck and Simon Gibson, two city councillors from neighbouring communities, will go head-to-head for the BC Liberal Party’s nomination in Abbotsford-Mission, the Party has announced today.

Tony Luck, a City Councillor with the District of Mission, has lived in Abbotsford and Mission for the past 30 years. He currently works as a financial consultant.

“We need to ensure that we keep British Columbia’s economy on the right track, and I know the BC Liberals are the best party to do that,” said Luck. “I want to run for the BC Liberals in Abbotsford-Mission because I believe in the direction of this government under Premier Christy Clark.”

Simon Gibson has served on the Abbotsford City Council for 30 years, and he teaches at the School of Business at the University of the Fraser Valley.

“I want to work with Premier Christy Clark to create an economic climate for job creation in our province,” said Gibson. “I’m confident that I have the skills and experience needed to be a strong representative for Abbotsford-Mission.”

Today’s news comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement that five strong candidates will compete for the BC Liberal nomination in Shuswap.

The Party has called a candidate selection meeting in Abbotsford-Mission for December 6^th at the Best Western Mission City Lodge.

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For candidate biographies, click here.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Mel Arnold

Mel Arnold is a 53 year-old lifetime resident of the Shuswap, a descendant of local pioneer families and is familiar with the area and local issues.

Mel has operated a successful marine and RV business in Salmon Arm for the past 23 years.  Recently serving 9 years on the board of the BC Wildlife Federation, a 40,000 member organization, he was elected as BCWF President in 2008 and re-elected in 2009.  During that time he initiated new program development and co-chaired the Finance Committee.  In 2011 Mel received the BCWF President’s Award for outstanding volunteer contribution to the organization.

Mel has also served as Provincial Affiliate and Governance Committee Chair with the Canadian Wildlife Federation over the past 5 years.  Mel’s business background and leadership experience have helped develop his governance and management skills.

Mel is an outdoor enthusiast, raised in an angling and hunting family and learned from an early age the values of B.C.’s resources.  Mel was an appointed representative to the City of Salmon Arm Environmental Management Advisory Committee for 8 years and in 2010 was appointed to the Provincial Species at Risk Task Force to review provincial, national and global legislation.

Mel and his wife of 33 years Linda live in Salmon Arm and have one daughter living in Calgary.

Marty Bootsma

Marty Bootsma has been a resident of the Shuswap for the past 32 years.  He has served on the Salmon Arm City Council for 12 years, 6 of those as Mayor.

He has been a Director of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District for 9 years and Board Chair for 3 years, as well as serving on the NOCSRHD (Hospital Board), the Fraser Basin Council, and countless committees.

Prior to politics Marty was involved in construction, retail sales, and real estate. Marty and his wife Wendy currently live in Salmon Arm, have 5 children, and 9 grandchildren.

Will Hansma

Will has a small farm and has been involved in agriculture all his life and believes that standing up for the farming community is vitally important. Will has been a strong advocate for bringing business to the North Okanagan-Shuswap area. He believes maintaining free enterprise in the province is critical.

Will was elected the Mayor of Spallumcheen in 1997 and served in that position for five terms, retiring from his local government career last November. During his tenure as Mayor, he helped deliver improvements to Highway 97A from Swan Lake to Armstrong as well as new recreation facilities in Armstrong.

Will has been a journeyman pressman for 32 years and currently owns the Okanagan Advertiser, a newspaper based in Armstrong B.C.

He served on the Regional District of North Okanagan as Director and, as chair of the Regional Services Committee for six years. Will has experience as vice chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, and chaired the North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Hospital Board for six years. He was responsible for securing the funding for the hospital upgrades in both Salmon Arm and Vernon.

Will is a strong advocate for vibrant integrated communities. He is married with four children and eight grandchildren.

Greg Kyllo

Greg Kyllo has resided in Sicamous, B.C. for 34 years after moving with his family from Taylor, B.C. in 1978. In 1988 Greg married his high school sweetheart, Georgina (Stead), and together, they have raised four daughters ages 23 to 17. After graduating from Eagle River Secondary, Greg attended Okanagan College where he studied general studies. It wasn’t long before the opportunity was presented to work with his stepfather, Knud Thomsen, owner of Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations.

Today, Greg is the president and owner of Twin Anchors Marine Group that has been building houseboats since the mid-1970s. The largest houseboat company in Canada, Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations is an integral sponsor to many community programs and events in the area.

Nine years ago, Greg, along with his partner and brother, Todd Kyllo, expanded the business into the well site accommodation market and incorporated TA Structures. TA Structures builds five-star worker accommodations and offices for the oilfield, forestry and mining industries with units shipping to destinations in Alaska and South America. In recent years TA Structures has supplanted construction as the core activity in the 60,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Sicamous.

Despite global economic uncertainly,  determination, strong leadership and diversification of the worksite accommodation business has enabled Greg to have 130 full-time employees, with TA Structures building 100 worker accommodation units annually.

In 2011, Greg was elected to Sicamous council and was appointed Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Finance Committee.  Greg also serves on the Sicamous Economic Development Committee.  Recently, Greg and his wife were awarded the prestigious May Brown Award at the BC Liberal Conference held in Whistler, along with Business Excellence Awards through the Sicamous Chamber (Business Role Model of the Year/Community Involvement Award).

Greg has strong roots in the Shuswap and has been a director on the Shuswap BC Liberal Riding Association for many years.   Industrious and hardworking, Greg offers strong communication skills, sound knowledge in accounting, marketing, strategic planning and an ability to lead. Greg is determined to build a strong future for the communities and people of the Shuswap.

Jordan Ross

Jordan is a passionate, educated, and energetic professional with over 14 years of private sector business experience.  His consultative approach and youthful enthusiasm will be critical to winning the Shuswap riding in 2013.

Jordan’s desire to win the nomination, and in turn the Shuswap seat as the next MLA, stems from his love of the region and hope that his children will have the opportunity to grow, live, work and contribute to the area.

Jordan believes long-term leadership is needed to bring quality jobs to the region. He believes we need leaders that are professional, who understand the issues, and who have a heart for serving their community. Jordan knows he is that person.

November 19, 2012

Salmon Arm – Five strong candidates will compete for the BC Liberal nomination in Shuswap, the Party has announced today. The candidates include:

• Mel Arnold - operator of a successful marine and RV business in Salmon Arm for 23 years. Mel served for 9 years on the board of the BC Wildlife Federation, and was elected twice as President.

• Marty Bootsma - former Salmon Arm Mayor. Marty served on Salmon Arm City Council for 12 years, 6 as Mayor.

• Will Hansma – former five-term Mayor of Spallumcheen. Will is also the owner of a local newspaper based in Armstrong.

• Greg Kyllo - Councillor and Deputy Mayor of the District of Sicamous.  Greg is also an owner of Twin Anchors Marine Group, a successful company that employs 130 full-time staff and 60 seasonal employees.

• Jordan Ross - businessman with over 14 years of private sector experience. Jordan is also a former Vice President of the Shuswap BC Liberal Riding Association.

The BC Liberals have recently added a number of strong candidates including award winning criminologist Darryl Plecas in Abbotsford South, former Member of Parliament Sukh Dhaliwal in Surrey-Panorama, former two-term Quesnel City Councillor Coralee Oakes in Cariboo North, and Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton after he won a dynamic four-way race in Penticton.

“We are very pleased with the five candidates we have running for our nomination in Shuswap,” said Premier Christy Clark. “We need a Shuswap MLA that will continue to fight for job growth and a strong economy. I’m confident each of these candidates would be a great addition to our 2013 team.”

The candidate selection meeting will take place on January 5th.

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For more about each of the five candidates, click here.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Christina Bates is an experienced business woman with an entrepreneurial spirit. She owns One Tooth Activewear Victoria, having evolved her current store out of OTfitwear, successfully adapting with changes to her business and the economy. She proudly supports manufacturing in British Columbia and also understands the benefits of working with a global vision.

Christina enjoys mentoring people and providing opportunities for her employees to develop new skills. Christina’s passion for people grew out of many years as the Artistic Director for AIEWA School of Cultural Dances. Her favourite part of being a business owner and entrepreneur is helping people discover what is possible personally, creatively and professionally, and watching them flourish.

Having a balanced lifestyle is important to Christina. She loves to spend time tending her orchids, herb gardening, outdoor adventuring, cooking with fresh local ingredients, dancing and practicing yoga. Christina recently completed her Masters of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University and is inspired to bring her successful problem solving and innovation experience to her community.

Coralee Oakes is a fourth generation resident of Quesnel, and her experience being brought up on the family farm guides her strong values and work ethic.  For generations, Coralee’s family helped build a stronger local community, and Coralee believes that it is now her time to step up and help the Cariboo North community build an economically and environmentally sustainable future.  Coralee believes strong fiscal discipline is a necessary foundation to preserve a high quality of life for future generations.

Coralee is a former two-term Quesnel City Councillor and has been the Executive Director of the Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce since 1999.  She is a strong believer in a vibrant and healthy business community.  As a result of her community work, in 2007 Coralee was appointed by the Province to the Small Business Roundtable to represent the rural voice of small business. This work led her to be appointed to the Minister's Council on Tourism in 2009.

Coralee is the past president of the British Columbia Chamber Executives and has served as a Director on the BC Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Executives, Cariboo Chilcotin Tourism Association and numerous local not-for-profit organizations.  In 2009, Coralee was the recipient of the BC Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year award and she is the proud recipient of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association award of contribution.

Born in the Philippines, Gabby Kalaw moved to British Columbia at a young age and settled in Richmond. Upon his arrival, Gabby quickly built friendships throughout the multicultural community of his adopted home.

He began his community service at an early age as a children’s program instructor at community centers in Richmond.Gabby attended Acadia University in Nova Scotia where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics. At Acadia he also found time to serve as Managing Editor of the school’s student newspaper, The Athenaeum.

After university, Gabby worked with the Canadian charity Journalists for Human Rights. He represented the charity in Ghana, West Africa, where he trained local journalists in identifying social justice issues, and human rights abuses. He was also an editor of the Social Justice section at the Chronicle, Ghana’s largest private national newspaper.

As a proud son and brother to his parents and siblings, and someone who puts his family first, Gabby would like to bring his work ethic and love of community to public life. Within Vancouver-Kensington, Gabby sees a diverse community like the one he grew up in, full of close-knit, hard-working families who wish to provide their kids with the best opportunities possible in B.C.

Gabby is a business development manager at a telecommunications software company who regularly deals with overseas and domestic clients. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Bloedel Conservatory facility, and supports small business as a board member of the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce.

Gabby believes fitness and recreation are important components to vibrant communities. In his spare time he also loves to play pick-up basketball, paddles canoes and kayaks, and enjoys hiking.

November 7, 2012

Vancouver – The BC Liberal team announced three young, fresh faces will join their 2013 team today. Over the next two days, Coralee Oakes in Cariboo North, Gabby Kalaw in Vancouver-Kensington, and Christina Bates in Victoria-Swan Lake will each be acclaimed BC Liberal candidates in their respective ridings.

Oakes, a former two-term Quesnel City Councillor, was recently a featured speaker at the 2012 BC Liberal Convention. She is already hard at work reaching out and listening to voters and plans to highlight the strong economic record of the BC Liberals and why it is important to the future of British Columbia.

“While many places throughout the world continue to see worsening economic conditions, British Columbia stands out for its strong economic fundamentals,” said Oakes.

In Victoria-Swan Lake, local businessperson Christina Bates has thrown her hat into the ring for the BC Liberals and will make supporting small business, lower taxes, and family affordability keys to her campaign.

“Making life more affordable for families is a big part of Premier Christy Clark’s plan, and her message inspired me to get involved in this race,” said Bates. “B.C. has some of the lowest income taxes in Canada, and that is a record that I am proud to support.”

Kalaw, a software sales manager and former Park Board candidate, wants to bring the people of Vancouver-Kensington a new voice in Victoria. He is concerned about the direction B.C. would take if the NDP were to form government.

“B.C. is a province full of opportunities,” said Kalaw. “I would like to ensure that those opportunities continue to grow for everyone. I plan to be part of a BC Liberal team that continues to build an economy for the future.”

Oakes and Kalaw will have nomination meetings tonight, while Bates will have her nomination meeting tomorrow night in Victoria.

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For Coralee Oakes' picture and biography, click here.

For Christina Bates' picture and biography, click here.

For Gabby Kalaw's picture and biography, click here.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

John Martin is a criminologist and faculty member in the School of Criminology at the University of the Fraser Valley. He has also taught criminal justice at Douglas College, the Native Education Centre in Vancouver and Lethbridge College. John has written curriculum and ran classes for RCMP members at the Pacific Regional Training Centre and new recruits at the Correctional Service of Canada’s Staff College.

He specializes in the fields of crime prevention, criminal justice reform, victims’ rights and public safety. Martin is regularly invited to speak to groups on all matters related to crime and justice and is a frequent guest on talk radio and other media.

He has testified before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and taught Canadian Studies at Takushoku University in Japan as a visiting scholar.

Raised in the Lower Mainland, he resides in Chilliwack with his wife, Margaret, and their two Shetland Sheepdogs; Blue and The Dude.

October 23, 2012

Chilliwack – Laurie Throness and John Martin, former political opponents and now allies, will both be acclaimed as candidates for the BC Liberal Party at a joint meeting in Chilliwack tomorrow night.

John Martin, the BC Liberal Party’s new candidate in Chilliwack, ran for the BC Conservatives against Throness in the Chilliwack-Hope by-election this past April. In September, Martin left the BC Conservatives and joined the BC Liberal Party.

“What we learned from the by-election was that when the free enterprise option is split, the NDP win,” said Martin. “That is why I’m so happy to be working with Laurie Throness here in Chilliwack and running for the BC Liberals.”

Laurie Throness, the BC Liberal candidate and second place finisher in the Chilliwack-Hope by-election in April, is running again to win back the Chilliwack-Hope seat for the BC Liberals.

“John Martin’s decision to join our Party created a lot of positive grassroots momentum,” said Throness. “For a lot of people, it really cemented the fact that the BC Liberals are the only viable option for supporters of free enterprise in B.C.”

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To visit Laurie Throness's website, click here.

For John Martin's picture and biography, click here.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

October 20, 2012

Penticton – A four-way race for the BC Liberal nomination in Penticton ended Saturday afternoon with Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton emerging as the winner. Ashton is serving in his second term as Mayor.

“I’m going to work hard to help Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberal team keep British Columbia’s economy on track,” said Ashton.

Ashton won a close race that wrapped up Saturday afternoon. Local Party members were invited to the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre to hear each candidate speak, and make their selections.

“The quality of the candidates in this race speaks to the Party’s strength here in the Okanagan,” added Ashton. “I want to thank my competitors for a spirited and respectful campaign.”

Ashton will be heading to Whistler next weekend to participate in the Party’s 2012 Convention. He is looking forward to rolling up his sleeves and working with Party members to help build a stronger British Columbia.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

October 17, 2012

Abbotsford – Today, Finance Minister and Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong will be joined by Premier Christy Clark for a candidate selection celebration in Abbotsford. At the event, de Jong will be acclaimed as the BC Liberal Party’s candidate in Abbotsford West.

“We’re building a lot of momentum right now, and tonight is about celebrating the hard work members and volunteers have done to keep Abbotsford a strong and vibrant community,” said de Jong. "These people have made a difference in our community, and I am honoured to run again as their candidate in the next provincial election."

de Jong was recently appointed the Minister of Finance in Premier Christy Clark’s renewed cabinet and has represented the Abbotsford area since 1994.

de Jong will also be joining the Premier, Caucus and a variety of new candidates at the Party’s Convention in Whistler between October 25th and 27th. "I'm looking forward to joining fellow candidates at the BC Liberal Convention as we prepare for the next provincial election," said de Jong.

“One innovative thing we’re doing at Convention this year is Free Enterprise Friday,” added de Jong. “It will be a great opportunity for members and non-members of the Party to debate and discuss some really important issues facing British Columbia.”

“This next election is hugely important for British Columbia,” said de Jong. “Our Premier and Party have a plan and we are making the tough decisions required to keep B.C.’s economy strong, help create jobs and make life more affordable for families.”

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

October 16, 2012

Oak Bay – The BC Liberal Party has announced that Ida Chong, MLA and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, will be acclaimed the Party’s candidate in Oak Bay-Gordon Head at a meeting in Oak Bay tonight.

“It has been a real pleasure to serve the people in my riding for so many years,” said Chong. “I’m always humbled to have been selected to represent so many great individuals and families.”

“I am running for another term because I believe that this is a critically important election in British Columbia, and I want to continue to help Premier Christy Clark keep B.C. moving forward,” added Chong.

Chong will be the latest BC Liberal MLA to be added to the growing list of nominated candidates heading to Whistler for the Party’s Convention between October 25^th and 27^th.

“Convention is going to be a great opportunity to bring together our MLAs, new candidates, members of the Party and volunteers to talk about important issues in British Columbia,” said Chong. “We’re going to be having an open and frank discussion on a number of issues, and I’m excited to be going.”

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

October 15, 2012

Penticton – The BC Liberal Party has announced the official slate of candidates seeking the Party’s nomination in Penticton.

The candidates include the Mayor of Summerland Janice Perrino, the past president of the BC School Trustees Association Connie Denesiuk, the Mayor of Penticton Dan Ashton, and local businessman Mark Ziebarth.

“I’m very pleased to have four strong candidates come forward and compete for the BC Liberal nomination in Penticton,” said current Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff. “These are quality candidates and I’m sure any one of them would make an excellent MLA.”

The BC Liberals have been busy nominating new candidates and returning MLAs across the province since July.

The new Penticton candidate will join the growing rank of candidates at the Party’s 2012 Convention in Whistler between October 25^th and 27^th. The Party is expecting a strong group of delegates for this year’s Convention, with over 750 already registered.

The candidate selection meeting in Penticton will take place on October 20^th at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Candidates are expected to speak around 10:00 am, with voting taking place after the speeches and results expected around 4:00 pm.

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For Dan Ashton’s picture and biography, click here.

For Connie Denesiuk’s picture and biography, click here.

For Mark Ziebarth’s picture and biography, click here.

For Janice Perrino’s picture and biography, click here.

For more information:

Mark Ziebarth is an accomplished business builder that has spent a career managing and leading publishing and information service companies.

Raising millions of dollars in investment capital, Mark originally came to Penticton to acquire a trade publishing company, which greatly expanded under his leadership.

In addition to teaching in the Okanagan College School of Business, Mark is deeply involved in civic, charitable and political organizations throughout the South Okanagan.

Mark holds an MBA from The George Washington University.  He has been married to his wife, Julia, for 28 years, and they are the proud parents of four wonderful children: Jonathan, Ani, Thomas and especially 12-year-old Carolyn Rose.

Janice Perrino is the Mayor of Summerland. This is her second term as Mayor after serving two terms as a Councillor. She is also the Chair of the Regional Hospital District for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

She has also been the Executive Director for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation for the past seven years. Her office is at the Penticton Regional Hospital and her role at the Foundation is to raise funds for medical equipment at the health care facilities in the South Okanagan and Similkameen region. Prior to that, she was at the BC Cancer Foundation at the BC Cancer Agency in Kelowna for more than seven years. Over the past fifteen years, she has raised in excess of $25-million.

Perrino has been involved in many community organizations over the years including being a Board Director for Okanagan College, Chair, Summerland Olympic Committee and past President of the Summerland Rotary Club. As a motivational speaker for boards, local societies and various business groups, she was the speech and leadership coach for two teenage girls youth groups for more than 10 years.

She holds the national fundraising certification of Certified Fund Raising Executive, is the level of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) with Toastmasters International, won the Outstanding Resource Women of Honour award in 2007, and was the recipient of the 2003 Women of Distinction Award for Career Leadership.

Perrino resides in Summerland with her husband Ben.

Dan Ashton is currently in his second term as Mayor on City of Penticton Council, after serving three consecutive terms as councilor. Dan is also in his tenth yearly term as the chair of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. For the last four years Dan has been a trustee on the Municipal Finance Authority, which is the principle supplier of infrastructure financing for local government.

Dan’s personal and governing philosophy has always been centered on common sense and fiscal responsibility.

While Dan was born in Edmonton, his family moved to Penticton only two weeks later so he has always considered himself an ‘Okanaganite’ and proud British Columbian. The Ashton family has been very active in trying to enhance their community, all the while keeping in mind their core values and the reason that brought them to Penticton – quality of life.

The Ashton family business was retail, with locations throughout the Lower Mainland, Okanagan and Kootenays. This gave Dan a wider perspective of small business viability and the importance of always giving back to the community where you live and where you earn a living.

Connie Denesiuk has a long history of community service and involvement. Connie led the B.C. School Trustees as President, and was the Director of the Canadian School Board Association from 2008 to 2011.  Connie served as Board chair for 9 of her 19 years as school trustee in the Okanagan Skaha School District.

Connie has partnered with her husband Bob in their contracting business, R. Denesiuk Construction for the past 3 decades.

Currently, Connie serves on the Board of Governors for Okanagan College, is Director of the Summerland & District Credit Union, Director of the Summerland Chamber, Director of Summerland Asset Development Initiative, and Finance Chair for her local church.

Connie and her husband Bob are the proud parents of four adult children, and grandparents to three terrific grandchildren.  As a lifetime resident of Penticton and Summerland, Connie believes there is no better place on Earth to live, work and play.

October 1, 2012

CAMPBELL RIVER – The BC Liberal Party has announced that MLA and Education Minister Don McRae was recently acclaimed as the party’s candidate for Comox Valley, and that Nick Facey, a PhD candidate in business running for the party’s nomination for North Island, will be acclaimed at a meeting in Campbell River on Tuesday.

Don McRae, the newly appointed Minister of Education, was first elected in 2009 and is ready to fight for re-election in 2013.

“I’m running again because I know how important it is to keep British Columbia on the right track,” said McRae. “I have a young family and I want to ensure that we keep growing British Columbia’s economy so that there are jobs for my young kids when they grow up.”

Nick Facey, born and raised in Campbell River, is running for the first time and wants to bring a young fresh face to the political scene in British Columbia.

“I want to ensure that young people come to the North Island to seek a living, and parents move here because it’s an ideal place to raise their kids,” said Facey. “The key to that is ensuring that there are jobs in our region, and Premier Christy Clark has made jobs her number one focus. That’s why I’m standing with the Premier to help keep British Columbia’s economy moving forward.”

“Nick Facey will be a great candidate for the North Island, and I’m looking forward to working with him more closely on the issues that are important to our region,” added McRae.

McRae was acclaimed at a meeting in Courtenay on September 30th, and he will join Facey for his candidate selection meeting tomorrow in Campbell River.

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For Nick Facey's biography and picture, click here.

For more information:

Born in Powell River, Nick Facey graduated from high school in Campbell River and went on to earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Victoria. At the University of Victoria, Facey worked as a co-op engineer at Elk Falls Pulp & Paper.

In 2008, Facey was accepted directly into SFU’s PhD program at the Beedie School of Business. He earned certification in university teaching, completed all of the course requirements for his doctorate in business, has been published in academic journals, and has lectured classes at SFU.

Facey has a strong understanding of economics and an expert level comprehension of statistics.  Facey has a strong appreciation for the importance of positive relationships, including the value of a cohesive team. Facey brings a unique skill set to help address concerns brought forward by those from the North Island.

Facey loved growing up on the North Island – an experience which impressed upon him the importance of keeping the North Island a place that young people seek out to raise their families. His Grandfather, Bud Facey, first visited the North Island in the mid 1930’s as a logger, and Nick’s own father worked in the resource industries in the area for more than 30 years.

Moving forward, Facey wants to focus his efforts on supporting economic growth, making use of the region’s many resources, and finding ways to make life more affordable for families.

September 28, 2012

TERRACE – The BC Liberal Party has announced that Carol Leclerc has won the Party’s nomination in Skeena. After a close vote that took place throughout the day on Friday, September 28th, Carol Leclerc received the majority of votes from local BC Liberal members to become the Party’s candidate in Skeena.

“I’m very pleased with the results tonight, and will get to work right away reaching out to British Columbians here in the Skeena region,” said Leclerc. “I am humbled to have won, and want to thank Carol Fielding for a close but congenial nomination race.”

Leclerc, a former nine-year Terrace City Councillor, plans to focus her campaign on keeping B.C.’s economy on track, supporting local job growth and ensuring that the region’s environment is protected.

Norm Letnick, Agriculture Minister and MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country, was on hand to speak at the candidate selection meeting in Terrace Friday night, and was impressed with new candidate Carol Leclerc.

“Carol Leclerc will be a tremendous candidate for our party here in the Skeena region. She has the experience, leadership abilities and winning attitude that would make her a great MLA,” said Letnick.

Local BC Liberal members were invited to vote on their choice for candidate throughout the day on Friday. Voting locations were set up in Kitimat and Terrace.

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For Carol Leclerc’s biography and picture, click here.

For more information:

September 21, 2012

CHILLIWACK – John Martin, the BC Conservative Party’s candidate in the Chilliwack-Hope by-election in April, has resigned his membership with the BC Conservatives today and intends to seek the BC Liberal Party’s nomination in Chilliwack.

Martin, a criminologist who teaches in the School of Criminology at the University of the Fraser Valley, made his decision based on his belief that the BC Liberals are the only free enterprise party capable of beating the NDP in 2013.

“The reality is that there is more that unites than divides supporters of free enterprise in British Columbia,” said Martin. “In 1975, Bill Bennett united the free enterprise coalition following the election of a disastrous NDP government. In 1997, Gordon Campbell united free enterprisers following Glen Clark's election. I don’t want to wait until Adrian Dix and the NDP are elected to unite forces. I have made this decision to help prevent that from happening.”

Martin is encouraging British Columbians who don’t want to see the NDP form government to unite with him and join with Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberals.

“Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberals have demonstrated to me that they are open to new ideas and other points of view,” added Martin. “Since the by-election, they have reached out to British Columbians while the BC Conservatives have focused on internal battles.”

Martin was welcomed to the BC Liberal Party in Chilliwack by MLA John Les and Laurie Throness, the BC Liberal candidate in the Chilliwack-Hope by-election.

“It starts here in Chilliwack. The free enterprise coalition is coming together and the momentum will be unstoppable,” said Les. “One small action can lead to a great movement of British Columbians who want a strong free enterprise alternative to the NDP. I’m pleased that John Martin recognizes that our best alternative is the one offered by Premier Christy Clark.”

A candidate selection meeting in Chilliwack has not yet been scheduled. Martin says he will immediately get to work to earn the support of local BC Liberal members.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Carol Leclerc was born in Terrace and has lived there most of her 51 years.  Carol and her husband Roger have been married for 32 years, and have three grown children, all born in Terrace, and two young grandchildren.  Carol works in Human Resources at Coast Mountains School District 82 and has been with the District since 1990.

Carol has served nine years as a Terrace City Councillor, three years as Director on the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and three years on the executive of the Northwest Regional Hospital District, including as Chair.  Her experience in local and regional government has given her a good understanding of regional issues and her many contacts still keep her current on issues.

Carol has a strong sense of community.  She has contributed in many ways, from coaching five years olds in soccer, to being a director on the 2010 Terrace BC Winter Games.  Serving on many committees as liaison to City Council, Carol ensured that the needs of the community were known at Council.

Carol believes in continued personal growth, not only for herself, but also in others.  After she finished her last term on City Council she pursued a new goal and started a Master’s program in Professional Communication through Royal Roads University.

Carol wants to see the recent growth in economic development projects in the region continue.  As an advocate for economic development when she was on City Council, and as someone who understands the benefits of a vibrant region, Carol would work hard to ensure the area pursues a diversified stable economy for the next generation.

Carol Fielding first arrived in Terrace in 1974 to visit a friend and ended up staying for 5 years. She returned again in 2002, and since then Carol has been a passionate community supporter and proud to call Terrace her home.

Since her return to Terrace, Carol has been actively involved in many non-profits groups. In 2006, she discovered that the 2010 Olympic - Spirit of BC Committee was dormant;  recognizing that this committee was vital to Terrace & Kitimat to become connected to the opportunities that would arise from the Olympic Games, she took up the task of bringing it back to life. This committee was instrumental in lobbying the BC Government to ensure funding for the George Little - Spirit Square in Terrace. The committee was also responsible for hosting the hugely successful 2010 Torch Relay celebration in Terrace.

Carol also played an integral role in bringing Kraft Hockeyville to Terrace. The Hockeyville project brought together an amazing team of folks from all around the region, and turned the Kraft Hockeyville project into a full-blown community program that everyone enjoyed.

Today, Carol stays connected to the community through her job as the Executive Director of the Terrace & District Chamber of Commerce. In her role she is involved in all of the Chambers’ committees including policy, governance, membership building, succession planning and event planning. This year, Carol has been part of two very important committees for the region, the NW Regional Workforce Table Task Force, and the City of Terrace Community Impacts committee.

Carol’s passion for bringing people together and encouraging community spirit works well in her position because she loves to make a difference where and when she can.

Carol’s decision to seek the Skeena nomination for the BC Liberals is a perfect next step in her goal to keep giving back to the region that has done so much to welcome her and make her feel at home.

September 19, 2012

TERRACE – The BC Liberal Party has announced that two Carols, Carol Leclerc and Carol Fielding, will be vying for the Party’s nomination in Skeena. The two are set to square off at a candidate selection meeting on September 28^th in Terrace.

Carol Leclerc, a former Terrace City Councilor and longtime resident of Terrace, wants to ensure that the strong economic growth seen by the region over the past number of years continues.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work alongside Premier Christy Clark and the rest of the BC Liberal team,” said potential candidate Carol Leclerc. “It is extremely important that we continue to grow in this economic climate. Skeena needs someone who will work tirelessly to protect the future of this region, and I’ve got the skills and experience to do it.”

Carol Fielding, the Executive Director of the Terrace & District Chamber of Commerce, works closely with local businesses, participates on various working committees in the community, and wants to run for the BC Liberals to keep the Skeena region on track.

“Our region is blessed with natural resources like wood, minerals, natural gas and hydro for electricity. We must continue to build a viable, safe and sustainable economic future,” said potential candidate Carol Fielding. “I know how to take a great idea and make it a success. With my role in bringing Kraft Hockeyville to Terrace, I showed how to do just that. I am excited about the opportunity to help the BC Liberals win in 2013.”

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For Carol Leclerc’s biography and picture, click here.

For Carol Fielding’s biography and picture, click here.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

September 18, 2012

VANCOUVER – As public expectations mount on Adrian Dix to reveal his true intentions, the BC Liberals have launched SameDixSameTricks.ca to expose the verbal tricks the NDP use to appear reasonable and moderate. The website tells British Columbians in plain language what the NDP actually did after they were elected, versus what they said they would do.

“I have no problem with scrutiny of the BC Liberal government’s record,” said Bill Bennett, MLA and Minister. “But the NDP’s record in government must also be scrutinized so that British Columbians can compare.”

During the nineties the NDP imposed $2 billion in new taxes (1992 and 1994 budgets), made sweeping changes to labour laws and increased wages and pensions to the public sector, all to benefit their union friends.

The SameDixSameTricks.ca website provides factual information on the NDP’s record on budgets, taxes and labour, and shows that the NDP leopard really has not changed its spots.

"Our economy is in the balance right now. We must not go backwards," said Bennett. “Frankly, what we need right now is straight talk, not deception. Dix is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of British Columbians by attempting to trick them into thinking he is something that he is not - reasonable and moderate. This is the same trick the NDP used in the nineties to get elected, and it came with disastrous results.”

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Chris Ricketts is a builder of award winning homes, and a builder of community who has invested decades in service to a variety of local volunteer boards, projects and organizations. He is a natural leader who knows what it takes to create plans, manage and adapt to changing circumstances, and succeed at achieving goals in the workplace and in the community.

Chris was born and raised in Greater Victoria, growing up in Esquimalt and graduating from Esquimalt High School. Chris attended the University of Victoria to study computer science, working part-time in the construction industry. Eventually, the satisfaction of being able to build something as important as a family home won him over, and he's been building beautiful homes for families throughout Southern Vancouver Island ever since.

Chris understands the issues of the community he calls home. He lives in Colwood with his partner Shari, and has built homes in the area for most of his career. He has served as President of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Colwood Rotary Club and director with the Esquimalt - Royal Roads BC Liberal Riding Association.

Chris understands what it takes to lead organizational change and work as part of a team. In 1996, he joined the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) of Victoria to further his professional development and in 2002 he became President. 3 years later (2005), Chris became President of the Canadian Home Builders Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC). During his leadership, Chris oversaw the operations of ten locals across the province, with a membership of over 1700 builder companies. This leadership role required Chris to work closely with the provincial and federal governments on building issues, and helped bring important changes such as implementing the Built Green BC program. The opportunity enabled Chris to refine his listening and negotiating skills, and strengthened his ability to bring diverse opinions together to find pathways to cooperation and shared success.

Chris is looking forward to bringing his versatile toolkit of skills to continue the work of building positive change for a healthy, prosperous and strong British Columbia.

September 16, 2012

Esquimalt – Today, the BC Liberal Party announced that businessman Chris Ricketts will be the party’s candidate in the riding of Esquimalt-Royal Roads.

Ricketts is looking forward to working alongside Premier Christy Clark to help the BC Liberals win re-election.

“As someone who depends on a thriving construction industry, I believe it is vitally important that we maintain a government that is committed to keeping B.C.’s economy strong,” said Ricketts, who owns and runs a small residential construction firm that operates across Greater Victoria.

“The BC Liberals have kept the province on the right track at a time of global economic uncertainty. Under our party’s watch, B.C. is leading the country in job growth and is on track for a balanced budget.”

“We’re excited to have Chris join our BC Liberal team. Chris will add a strong voice for keeping B.C. on the right track here in the Capital region,” said Ida Chong, the MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head and the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

Ricketts will be acclaimed as the party’s candidate in Esquimalt-Royal Roads at a candidate selection meeting in the riding this afternoon.

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For a photo and biography for Chris Ricketts, click here.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

September 4, 2012

Vancouver – Today, Rich Coleman, the MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove and the Minister of Energy and Mines, announced that he will be seeking re-election with the BC Liberal Party.

“I’m strongly committed to Premier Christy Clark and the rest of the BC Liberal team as we seek a new mandate in 2013,” said Coleman.

“When I entered politics in 1996, I was very concerned about the damaging impact of NDP policies and wanted my children to have a better future in British Columbia. Today, I feel as strongly as ever that my children's and grandchildren's future needs to be protected. I'm seeking another term to help ensure that British Columbia's economy moves forward not backward.”

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

August 30, 2012

Vancouver – Today, the BC Liberal Party confirmed a list of upcoming candidate selection meetings in the first half of September for 11 returning MLAs:

September 5^th – Margaret MacDiarmid in Vancouver-Fairview
September 5^th – Bill Bennett in Kootenay East
September 6^th – John Yap in Richmond-Steveston
September 8^th – Linda Reid in Richmond East
September 8^th – John Rustad in Nechako Lakes
September 10^th – Shirley Bond in Prince George-Valemount
September 10^th – Pat Bell in Prince George-Mackenzie
September 11^th – Norm Letnick in Kelowna-Lake Country
September 11^th – Steve Thomson in Kelowna-Mission
September 11^th – Ben Stewart in Westside-Kelowna
September 11^th – Eric Foster in Vernon-Monashee

“I’m very proud of the work we’re doing under the leadership of Premier Christy Clark. We have a renewed, energized team that is looking forward to putting our record on the economy up against the NDP’s record,” said Labour, Citizen Services' and Open Government Minister Margaret MacDiarmid, candidate in Vancouver-Fairview.

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For more information:

August 22, 2012

Vancouver – The BC Liberal Party is continuing its candidate selection process by announcing that Bill Bennett, Pat Pimm and John Rustad are all seeking re-election. The three sitting MLAs will each have nomination meetings in their ridings over the next few weeks.

Bill Bennett, the MLA for Kootenay East, was first elected in 2001, earning re-election in 2005 and 2009. Bennett is looking forward to another campaign, this time under the leadership of Premier Christy Clark.

“I personally feel renewed under the leadership of the Premier and I am very much looking forward to helping Christy Clark prove the pundits wrong by beating the NDP next spring,” said Bennett.

Bennett is a vocal advocate for rural issues such as mining, energy, forestry, agriculture and land use. Bennett‘s nomination meeting will be on September 5th.

Pat Pimm is also back in the saddle for his first run at re-election, and will have his nomination meeting tonight in Fort St. John.

“Our government has helped the province achieve the country’s best full-time job growth rate over the past year. That is a record I am proud to run on,” said Pimm.

Pimm, the MLA for Peace River North, was first elected to the legislature in 2009. Pimm is focused on bringing jobs to the Peace region, as well as supporting local agriculture, the Guide Outfitters and the province’s natural gas industry.

MLA John Rustad, first elected in 2005, looks forward to continuing to work hard to represent the people in the riding of Nechako Lakes.

“The next election will be a choice between a government that manages the economy and supports job growth, and an NDP opposition who want to raise your taxes and drive businesses out of the province,” said Rustad.

Rustad recently chaired a report by the Special Committee on Timber Supply that offered 20 recommendations on how to increase mid-term timber supply in B.C.’s central interior. The Nechako Lakes riding nomination meeting will be on September 8th.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant 

(604) 606-6017

sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

August 21, 2012

VANCOUVER - Today, BC Liberal MLA John Les called on the BCGEU to admit they broke third party election advertising limits in the by-elections this past April instead of appealing Election BC’s $3 million fine.

“It’s no secret the BCGEU would prefer to have a BC NDP government, but that’s no excuse for breaking the rules,” said Les. “When the by-elections were called the BCGEU had a choice to pull their ads in support of the BC NDP, instead they decided the rules didn’t apply to them.”

The BCGEU is appealing Election BC’s $3 million fine for exceeding its $3,000 spending limit by nearly $160,000 per electoral district.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
604-606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

August 14, 2012

Vancouver – The BC Liberal Party will be holding a joint nomination meeting in Kamloops tonight to formally introduce Environment Minister Terry Lake and small businessman Todd Stone as the party’s candidates in Kamloops-North and South Thompson respectively.

Terry Lake has been working hard for the people of Kamloops since first being elected in 2009. Lake has helped deliver $80 million in upgrades to the Royal Inland Hospital, a new dialysis unit for North Kamloops and $8 million for road upgrades in the region.

“Todd Stone and I want to make sure that the people of Kamloops see the progress that has been made in our community over the past few years. There is always room for improvement, but I’m proud of the major accomplishments that I have been able to help make happen for my community,” said Lake.

Todd Stone is excited about running to represent Kamloops-South Thompson in the upcoming election.

“Come election time, people are going to be thinking about who they want to manage our economy, and I think Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberals will be their answer,” said Stone.

“As a small businessman who has created a successful homegrown tech company here in Kamloops, I know how important it is to have a government that wants to keep B.C.’s economy strong,” said Stone.

“Small business people that I talk to are concerned about the future of their businesses if a party that drove B.C.’s economy into the ground during the 1990s gets back into power.”

Lake and Stone’s joint meeting will be the fourth candidate selection meeting since the party launched its nomination process in July.

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Visit Lake's campaign website here.

Read Stone's biography here.

Hector Bremner and his wife, Virginia, fell in love with the vibrant and historic community of New Westminster 10 years ago and chose the Royal City as the ideal place to raise their two sons, Carlo, now 15, and Gianluca, 14.

In that time, Bremner’s marketing and business development consultancy, TOUCH Marketing, flourished and afforded him the opportunity to work with business owners from across British Columbia. Starting out by helping businesses implement successful growth strategies to meet their full potential, TOUCH’s focus soon turned to offering the highest caliber fundraising development and communications strategies to B.C.’s leading non-profits. Today, Bremner considers this to be the most challenging and rewarding work of his career.

Always believing that one must be the change they wish to see, Bremner has dedicated himself to contributing to the community whenever he can make a difference.  His work ethic and drive to contribute earned Bremner the opportunity to serve in volunteer positions such as Vice-Chair of the City of New Westminster’s Community & Social Issues Committee, Vice-President of the Hyack Festival Association and as a Board Director of the BC Senior Services Society.

Bremner credits his strength and dedication to service to his wife, Virginia, who is not only a dedicated mother, but the former executive director of the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association as well as a nominee for the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce 2010 Citizen of the Year award. With Virginia having previously worked as a mental health coordinator at a drop-in centre that supports street entrenched homeless individuals with mental health problems, Bremner has developed a passion for helping implement effective and respectful solutions to support those who suffer from mental health issues.

Hector’s passions are rooted in a deep desire to simply make the world a better place. Whether it is through his business, social advocacy or, most importantly, being a father, Bremner strives to lead by example and never shies away from doing what is right.

August 9, 2012

Vancouver – Today, the BC Liberal Party announced that MLAs Naomi Yamamoto and Richard T. Lee, as well as new candidate Hector Bremner (New Westminster), will be representing the BC Liberals on the ballot in 2013.

Yamamoto, British Columbia’s Minister of Advanced Education, was first elected in North Vancouver-Lonsdale in 2009. Yamamoto has been a tireless advocate for her constituents, helping deliver a $38 million provincial investment to a new mental health centre at Lions Gate Hospital and a new film and animation centre at Capilano University.

“Working on behalf of my constituents is a passion of mine. I feel very honoured to serve as the MLA in my riding, and I want nothing more than to continue to help represent my community,” said Yamamoto.

Yamamoto will have a nomination meeting in her riding on August 27^th.

Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North, is coming back for his fourth straight election after winning in 2001, 2005 and 2009. Lee also serves as the Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific.

“I am focused on representing my constituents here in Burnaby North. Come election time, I think British Columbians will look at our record in government and recognize that they’re much better off now than they were in 2001,” said Lee.

“People are concerned about pocketbook issues – taxes, spending, the economy – and our record on those issues is strong.”

Lee also co-chairs the Burnaby Hospital Community Consultation Committee, helping explore ways to improve healthcare service delivery in Burnaby. Lee will be having a nomination meeting in his riding on August 26^th.

Hector Bremner, a small businessman from New Westminster, is looking forward to talking about why the BC Liberals are the best party to manage British Columbia’s economy.

“New Westminster is a booming town that is filled with young families who are working hard to get ahead. These people want their government to maintain low taxes, controlled spending and economic stability,” said Bremner.

Bremner plans to make jobs, the economy and continued improvements at Royal Columbian Hospital a key part of his campaign.

“The BC Liberal government recently moved forward with a plan to redevelop Royal Columbian Hospital, and I want to help continue to push that initiative forward.”

Bremner will be acclaimed at a meeting in New Westminster on August 18^th.

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Visit Yamamoto's website here.

Visit Lee's website here.

Read Bremner's biography here.

For more information:

August 3, 2012

Vancouver – The BC Liberal Party announced today that MLAs Linda Reid, Jane Thornthwaite and Ralph Sultan are all running again in the upcoming provincial election.

Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East, was first elected in 1991, and is one of the longest serving members of the Legislature. Reid has announced that she will be running again as the BC Liberal candidate in Richmond East.

“I’m very pleased to be running again to represent the great people of Richmond East. I want to continue to build on the solid record that our party has built, and I want to help Premier Christy Clark build on that legacy,” said Reid.

Reid has served as the Legislature’s Deputy Speaker since 2009, and is focused on supporting children, families, and local agriculture in Richmond.

Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano, has enjoyed working on behalf of his constituents over the past three terms and wants to continue to help deliver for his community.

“Over the past few years our party has gone through significant changes, but we’ve remained dedicated to providing good government based on sound fiscal management. British Columbia continues to have a triple A credit rating, and our job growth ranks second in Canada over the past year,” said Sultan.

Sultan will be acclaimed as the BC Liberal candidate in West Vancouver-Capilano on August 16^th.

Fellow North Shore MLA Jane Thornthwaite is also running again in the riding of North Vancouver-Seymour. Thornthwaite will also be acclaimed as the BC Liberal candidate in her riding at a meeting on August 9^th.

In April 2012, Thornthwaite helped usher in a new set of bold laws to help curb animal cruelty in B.C. She also has a strong interest in improving the educational experiences of students with special needs.

“I’m proud of our Premier and the hard work that we’ve done on behalf of British Columbians. We’re building momentum ahead of the upcoming election, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” said Thornthwaite.

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For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

Doug was born in Calgary Alberta and was raised between Calgary and a spot near the Dutch Creek in the Columbia Valley, where Doug and his family spent their weekends and summers. Doug is currently the manager of the Invermere Campus of College of the Rockies, and is running for election because he believes that he can provide the leadership required for the Columbia River-Revelstoke region to realize its full potential.

Doug has a work ethic that drives him to achieve his goals and objectives and is not afraid of telling the truth. He believes in creating a vibrant free enterprise economy and will work very hard to ensure that his constituents have sustainable jobs, opportunities and a voice in government that will continue to build healthy families. If elected, Doug plans to work tirelessly at all levels of government as well as other third party organizations to strengthen the economic and social wellbeing of the communities within his riding.

Doug is a respected advocate for children and youth, and worked as an educator and administrator in Calgary’s public education system.  He was the founder of the Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation, serving as President and CEO. During his 18 year tenure with the Foundation, Doug created international award winning partnerships between the public and private sectors - partnerships that enhanced the educational opportunities for children, youth and adults.

Doug is a tireless volunteer who believes in building strong communities through engagement. His efforts as a community activist have won him awards from the Conference Board of Canada, Volunteer Calgary and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Doug continues to be an active community member, serving on the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Radium Chamber of Commerce, ACCESS BC and the Greenways Board of Directors in Invermere. Doug is a proven team player who was an active constituency member that helped elect federal Conservative MP David Wilks.

With a passion for tourism, Doug found himself working for Princess Tours where he successfully managed both Calgary and Eastern Canada operations. His work here led to him being recognized with two leadership and service awards. Doug is also a conservationist who believes in balanced land access management plans that enable people to enjoy the outdoors while protecting the environment.

Doug’s father inspired him to learn to love the outdoors, and also taught him and his brother to fish, hunt and respect the land.  Doug proudly passed these values onto his three adult children and now enjoys doing the same with his granddaughter Ava. Anyone who knows Doug will tell you that his highest value is family and if you are fortunate enough to have Doug as a friend you become his family. Doug lives in Dutch Creek B.C., just south of Fairmont Hot Springs, with his wife Susan and their two dogs and two cats.

Todd Stone, who recently turned 40, has lived in Kamloops for 23 years, and is the Founder & CEO of Kamloops-based software company, iCompass Technologies.  He and his wife Chantelle have been married for almost 12 years and are the parents of three beautiful daughters.

Todd has grown his technology company over the past 14 years into the North American leader it is today.  His experience with bringing innovative technology to government coupled with strong business and leadership skills have set the foundation for the ongoing growth of iCompass, which now serves over 400 organizations in Canada and the USA, and supports almost 30 families in Kamloops.

Todd has always been a strong community advocate, giving much time and energy to a variety of Boards and contributing to many community initiatives and organizations.  He serves on the Board of the Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo United Way (though currently on leave), and served for over 6 years as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of Thompson Rivers University.

He also served on the Boards of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, Kamloops VenturesFund (VCC) Inc, the Academy for Chief Executives of Technology Companies (ACETECH), and the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC).  In addition, he was an active contributor to the Friends of UCC University Society and the Friends of the Kamloops Airport.

July 31, 2012

Vancouver - Today, the BC Liberal Party announced the nomination of Doug Clovechok at a noon meeting in Golden for the riding of Columbia River-Revelstoke, and is also announcing that Environment Minister Terry Lake and Kamloops businessman and community leader Todd Stone will be acclaimed in the Kamloops-Thompson Valley ridings on August 14^th.

Clovechok has deep roots in the Columbia Valley area, and has a strong record helping enhance educational opportunities for children, youth and adults.

“I’m very excited to be putting my name on the ballot alongside Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberal team," said Clovechok. “The people of Columbia River-Revelstoke want a representative that will stand up for their interests by putting a real focus on jobs and the economy. That is exactly what I plan to offer them.”

The BC Liberal Party also announced that Terry Lake and Todd Stone will be acclaimed in ridings of Kamloops-North Thompson and Kamloops-South Thompson, respectively. Lake and Stone will hold a joint nomination meeting in Kamloops on August 14^th.

Lake was first elected in 2009, and has served as the province’s Minister of Environment since March 2011.

“The election in 2009 was hard fought and hotly contested, and the upcoming election in 2013 will be no different. I’m proud of the record of our government over the past three years, and I’m looking forward to running again to represent Kamloops-North Thompson,” said Lake.

Locally-raised Todd Stone, 40, founder of successful Kamloops-based high-tech company iCompass and former vice-chair of Thompson Rivers University, adds a fresh face to the candidate mix for the BC Liberals.

“The Premier’s leadership on the economy, balancing the budget, and standing up for B.C. is critical.  I’m standing with her to ensure we elect a government that supports jobs and opportunity in our region,” said Stone.

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Read Doug Clovechok’s biography here.

Read Todd Stone's biography here.

Visit Terry Lake’s website here.

For more information:

Sam Oliphant
(604) 606-6017
sam.oliphant@bcliberals.com

On Monday our government outlined five requirements that must be met for the province to consider the construction and operation of heavy oil pipelines within our borders. Read Monday's news release from the Government of British Columbia below, or click HERE.

To read the government's 56 page technical analysis on heavy oil pipelines, click HERE.

July 23, 2012 - GOVERNMENT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWS RELEASE

VANCOUVER - As part of ongoing work to participate in and monitor the Joint Review Panel on the Northern Gateway Project, the government of British Columbia today outlined five minimum requirements that must be met for the province to consider the construction and operation of heavy oil pipelines within its borders.

"Our government is committed to economic development that is balanced with environmental protection," said Premier Christy Clark. "In light of the ongoing environmental review by the Joint Review Panel on the Enbridge pipeline project proposal, our government has identified and developed minimum requirements that must be met before we will consider support for any heavy oil pipeline projects in our province. We need to combine environmental safety with our fair share of fiscal and economic benefits."

As set out in our government's heavy oil policy paper, Requirements for British Columbia to Consider Support for Heavy Oil Pipelines, the following requirements must be established:

• Successful completion of the environmental review process. In the case of Enbridge, that would mean a recommendation by the National Energy Board Joint Review Panel that the project proceed;

• World-leading marine oil spill response, prevention and recovery systems for B.C.'s coastline and ocean to manage and mitigate the risks and costs of heavy oil pipelines and shipments;

• World-leading practices for land oil spill prevention, response and recovery systems to manage and mitigate the risks and costs of heavy oil pipelines;

• Legal requirements regarding Aboriginal and treaty rights are addressed, and First Nations are provided with the opportunities, information and resources necessary to participate in and benefit from a heavy-oil project; and

• British Columbia receives a fair share of the fiscal and economic benefits of a proposed heavy oil project that reflects the level, degree and nature of the risk borne by the province, the environment and taxpayers.

The first of government's requirements is that any project proposal must be approved through appropriate environmental assessment (EA) processes. EA processes are led by statutory decision-makers, require a considerable level of project detail, frequently require public hearings and are designed to bring transparency and engagement to project review.

The government of British Columbia has been consistent in its support for environmental assessment, as a reflection of its commitment both to environmental protection and sustainability, and to predictability, transparency and access.

Led by B.C.'s Minister of the Environment, work has now been completed to assess what would be required to establish British Columbia and Canada as world leaders in marine oil spill response. British Columbia is proposing a joint plan of action with the federal government that would include the following elements:

• Limits to liability that ensure sufficient financial resources to properly address any spills;

• increased federal response capacity;

• Full adoption of the Unified Command model;

• Strengthened federal requirements on industry for the provision and placement of marine response equipment and infrastructure;

• Industry-funded terrestrial (land-based) spill co-operative with sufficient human and technical capacity to manage spill risk from pipelines and other land-based sources;

• Increased capacity within the provincial emergency response program to ensure adequate oversight of industry; and

• A Natural Resources Damage Assessment process to provide certainty that a responsible party will address all costs associated with a spill.

"When we consider the prospect of a heavy oil pipeline, and of the increased oil tanker traffic that would result, it is clear that our spill prevention and response plans will require significant improvements. Our government has already initiated discussions with the federal government on improving our response plans and resources," said Environment Minister Terry Lake. "This represents an opportunity for British Columbia and Canada to develop world-leading environmental protection regimes."

The fourth requirement for the B.C. government to consider support for heavy oil pipeline proposals is First Nations participation. Governments in Canada have a duty to consult and accommodate First Nations, and British Columbia is committed to meeting this test. British Columbia has developed a set of tools to help First Nations to partner with industry and participate in economic development. These agreements help to create certainty for development that benefits all British Columbians. British Columbia remains committed to this approach.

"We believe the benefits to First Nations from major pipeline proposals must be clearly identified, along with the measures that will help protect against environmental impacts," said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak. "As recently as last week, such an approach was endorsed by the Canadian Council of CEOs in their report on Aboriginal participation."

Lastly, British Columbia must receive a fair share of the fiscal and economic benefits of any proposed heavy oil project. B.C. will shoulder 100 per cent of the risk in the marine environment and a significant proportion of the risk on the land should a spill event ever occur. Current heavy oil project proposals do not balance the risks and benefits for British Columbia.

"We have identified aggressive environmental requirements and principles for First Nations engagement, and we have clearly stated we expect a fair share of the fiscal and economic benefits for our province," said Premier Clark. "British Columbians are fair and reasonable. We know we need resource and economic development, but we also expect that risks are managed, environmental protection is uncompromised and that generations will benefit from the decisions we make today."

Dear BC Liberal member,

It is my pleasure to invite you to our BC Liberal Open Convention this October 26^th and 27^th in Whistler.

This year’s Convention is critically important in advance of the 2013 election, and on behalf of my Caucus and the BC Liberal Party executive, we need your help and participation.

Our party is taking a bold and open step by inviting supporters of free enterprise from outside our party membership to join us to discuss and debate policy during “Free Enterprise Friday”.

I believe there is more that unites than divides those British Columbians that support policies committed to economic growth and fiscal responsibility, and “Free Enterprise Friday” will be an open forum to bring people together. It demonstrates we are open and willing to listen to a wide range of perspectives, but that we are also committed to preventing risky and reckless NDP policies that will damage B.C.’s economy.

The key to our success will be the efforts of supporters like you.  I ask you to:

• Consider attending Convention as a delegate
• Invite fellow supporters to attend Convention, and invite non-members to join us for Free Enterprise Friday
• Work with your local riding association to help build for the 2013 election.

We are all in this together and I’m confident we will succeed by working as a strong, unified team committed to a clear vision for British Columbia.

Let’s make Convention a huge success that will pave the way for an historic new mandate next May.

Thank you for your support,

Premier Christy Clark

The BC Liberal Open Convention is taking place this October 26th and 27th at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Read an invite from Premier Christy Clark here.

Festivities begin on Thursday, October 25th with a "Convention-Eve" reception.   We encourage delegates to arrive early to meet up with others from around B.C., meet special guests, and hit the ground running on Friday.